WCU-OC Opens Doors Wide for Smile Camp 2016

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For the fifth year in a row, West Coast University-Orange County‘s Dental Hygiene clinic celebrated Children’s Dental Health Awareness month in February with a Smile Camp.

Reason to Smile

  • The free Dental Hygiene Clinic at West Coast University-Orange County is a teaching facility offering a variety of services for adults and children, delivered by both students and supervising dental hygienists and dentists.
  • For your free appointment, call (877) 928-2546
  • The clinic is located on the fourth floor at 1477 South Manchester Ave., Anaheim, 92802.

“The focus is really about the kids,” WCU Dental Hygiene Clinic Administrator Jo Anne Schram said. “These little children are going to become adult patients one day and this experience they receive today is going to set the mood for how they will be as adult patients.”

Children received special gifts and toys from staff that encouraged good dental hygiene and were treated with a surprise visit from the Tooth Fairy.

“We just want to make sure the children feel comfortable, having them touch what the toothbrush feels like, having them touch some of our instruments,” Marissa Aquino, a WCU-OC dental hygiene student, said. “I think after that experience they’ll be able to say, ‘OK, everything is good at the dentist.'”

About 60 people, ranging in age from 2 to 19 years, were seen at this year’s Smile Camp. An additional 20 people needed interim therapeutic restorations, Schram said, which allowed four more WCU faculty to become certified in ITR placement.

More than 60 WCU dental hygiene students gained hands-on experience working with patients and reinforced classroom training by providing instruction on oral hygiene and proper brushing technique. Treatments included applying a protective fluoride varnish or dental sealant, taking X-rays and providing referrals.

“If they have a tooth, we’re going to see them,” Schram said.

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