Amarillo College Ranger

Issue date: 9/28/06 Section: Opinion

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Sharks have the ability to automatically shed and replace their teeth. A young shark can "groove-in" a new set of cavity-free pearly whites every eight days.

Humans don't have that kind of luxury. After a falling-off occurs in youngsters, temporary teeth are replaced with permanent teeth in adults.

Don't frown. There's good news for those who are embarrassed by dingy, dirty and yellow teeth they are stuck with.

Students, faculty and staff can take advantage of getting their teeth cleaned - free. Preventive services are offered by Amarillo College's dental hygiene program, located in the Allied Health Building on the West Campus. The services include X-rays.

For those who fear that the dental hygiene students in training can't do a good job, supervision comes from registered hygienists and a licensed dentist on staff.

The program is fully accredited by the American Dental Association. Professor Donna Cleere, program director, says the clinic is safe.

Strict infection control protocol is outlined in the accreditation standards. Cleere's primary goals are education and providing quality service to patients.

The majority of professionally licensed dental hygienists in the Amarillo area are trained at AC.

"All of our dental hygienists are AC graduates," said Dr. Eric Wilkie, who has a practice in Amarillo. "The dental program is a great service that provides routine dental care."

Students and employees who have dental insurance probably won't use the program as much as those without insurance. The services help people who cannot afford oral health because of their financial situation.

One of the first things a person will notice about your mouth when you smile is your teeth, those obvious, white structures that hold up half your face, and many dental problems are preventable. Your teeth can take care of their role with a little consistent oral care from their owners.

Getting your teeth cleaned and maintained is an easy choice at AC's dental hygiene program.

If you don't, a hard reality is realizing that the hamburger or pizza you're trying to eat is an extremely difficult undertaking because your dentures keep slipping.

Open wide!

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