Clark College dental hygiene students offer free dental care day to children

For Immediate Release
January 21, 2025

New this year: Afternoon session for children with special needs or accommodations

A dental hygiene student holding dental tools in their hands, standing beside a child patient who is sitting in the dental chair. The child is wearing sunglasses and smiling.

VANCOUVER, Wash. — The Clark College dental hygiene department is holding its annual free children's dental health clinic on Saturday, February 1, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Firstenburg Dental Hygiene Education and Care Center in the Health Sciences Building on Clark's main campus at 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver, Washington.

The college's dental hygiene students will provide free care under the direct supervision of licensed dental hygienists and dentists. Free services will include cleanings, sealants, x-rays, doctor's exams, fluoride, and select emergency treatments for children ages 4 to 17, regardless of insurance.

Kristi Taylor, program director of Clark's dental hygiene department, said, "This year, we are offering afternoon appointments to children with special needs or accommodations."

The clinic is wheelchair accessible. Taylor explained that pediatric dentists who specialize in treating children who need accommodation will be present.

Make an appointment: Call the dental hygiene business office at (360) 992-2158.

Clark's Dental Hygiene program offers a free children's dental health day annually. In addition, the college's Dental Hygiene students provide low-cost dental hygiene care to the community as part of their clinic practice, serving more than 2,000 patients annually.

Taylor said, "We are excited to offer our annual free children's dental health day for children in our community between the ages of 4 to 17. If you have or know any children who would benefit from a free cleaning and exam, this would be a great opportunity for them. Call and schedule an appointment before the slots fill up."

Driving directions and parking maps

Address to navigate to Health Sciences building: 2232 E. Reserve Street, Vancouver, Wash. 98663. The closest parking lot is Brown Lot 1.

Accommodation: Anyone needing accommodation due to a disability in order to fully participate in this event should contact Clark College's Human Resources office prior to the event via phone: 360-992-2105 or email hr@clark.edu.

About Clark College's Dental Hygiene program and clinic

The Clark College dental hygiene program is nationally recognized for excellence and highly regarded by dental professionals in the region. The Firstenburg Dental Hygiene Education and Care Center, located on the college's main campus, offers affordable dental care for more than 2,000 patients annually. The center features modern technology and equipment to ensure quality care for patients. Patients in the Vancouver/Portland area receive high-quality, low-cost care from Clark College dental hygiene students under the direct supervision of licensed dental hygienists and dentists. Available time for patient treatment varies from term to term. Clinic days are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.

Learn more about Dental Hygiene Clinic

About Clark College

Founded in 1933, Clark College provides residents of Southwest Washington with affordable, high-quality academic and technical education. It is a public community college offering more than 100 degree and certificate programs, including bachelor's and associate degrees; professional certificates; high school diplomas and GED preparation; and non-credit community and continuing education. Clark serves a wide range of students including high school students, displaced workers, veterans, parents, non-native English speakers, and mature learners. Approximately 45% of its students are in the first generation of their families to attend college.

Make An Appointment - Dental Hygiene business office: 360-992-2158

For program information: Kristi Taylor, Clark's dental hygiene department
T: 360-992-2474 E: ktaylor@clark.edu

For additional information: (media inquiries & photo requests):
Maureen Chan-Hefflin, Clark College Communications & Marketing
T: 360-992-2243 E: mhefflin@clark.edu