South Florida State College (SFSC) has established the Dental Hygiene Clinic with clear objectives: to train future dental health professionals and offer affordable treatments to the community.
“The primary mission of SFSC’s Dental Hygiene Clinic is to train students to perform dental hygiene services in a professional, ethical, and legal manner, while concurrently providing services to help patients achieve and maintain good oral health in a caring environment,” said Sheryl McGrath, interim director of Dental Education at SFSC.
This space is different from a traditional office because students train professionally, combining community service with their practical needs.
Among the services available within the facility are:
• Comprehensive oral exams
• Oral hygiene therapy (scaling and polishing) for adults and children
• Dental and periodontal charting
• X-rays (full-mouth, bite-wing, panoramic)
• Custom oral appliances (fluoride trays, night guards, bleaching trays)
•Tobacco cessation and nutritional counseling
All of these services are performed by students and guided by professionals in the field. However, they are not considered primary dentists, making them preventive services that generate positive changes in oral health.
“The clinic does not provide treatments that are legally required to be performed by dentists — such as extractions, fillings, crowns, or denture fabrication — and is not intended to serve as a patient’s primary dentist,” McGrath said.
Through these practices, the Dental Hygiene Clinic at SFSC ensures that students learn much faster and improve their skills.
Although the prices for these services vary depending on the type of cleaning, they range from $15 to $50, making it convenient to obtain the cleaning service at an affordable price.
The services include clinical assessments (medical/dental histories, radiography, charting), performing full-scale preventive treatments (cleaning, fluoride, sealants, appliance fabrication), practicing strict OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) safety protocols, infection control, barrier techniques, and radiation safety, interacting with patients to develop professional communication, informed consent practices, treatment planning, and patient education.
“These practices help students strengthen professional skills, including clinical judgment, ethical conduct, patient rapport, and procedural proficiency,” said McGrath, referring to the students’ learning through these practices.
The Dental Hygiene Clinic is much more than a place where students learn from the college staff; it is an option for the over-18 community where they can be evaluated and schedule appointments for dental care.
Additionally, patients under 18 may attend; however, they must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
“The SFSC Dental Hygiene Clinic plays a vital dual role in preparing the next generation of dental professionals while delivering compassionate, high-quality oral health services to the community. It offers accessible, affordable care — even for underserved minors — and fosters a learning environment grounded in safety, professionalism, and comprehensive patient education,” McGrath said.
Those interested in scheduling an appointment can call 863-784-7020. SFSC’s Dental Hygiene Clinic undoubtedly represents an example of how education can have a significant impact outside the classroom, in addition to providing a service to the community that is often difficult to afford.
“I use my skills every day to educate, advocate, and collaborate with my peers, patients, families, and the community. The skills I’ve gained not only help improve individual health outcomes but also empower me to adapt, grow, and drive positive change outside a dental office,” said Andy Gomez Reyes, a dental hygiene student.
“Working in different dental practices has fundamentally changed how I approach my career. By taking continuing education courses, I stay current with new techniques and information, which allow me to provide the most effective care. This ongoing education has also been critical in improving my communication skills, enabling me to better explain and educate patients so they can make informed decisions about their health,” said Briseyda Eugenio Hernandez, a dental hygiene student.
The Dental Hygiene Clinic is open from 9-11 a.m. Monday, from 1-3:30 p.m. Wednesday and from 9-11 a.m. and 1-3:30 p.m. Thursday. However, interested community members can schedule an appointment any day of the week by calling 863-784-7020. The address is 600 W. College Dr., Building T, Avon Park.
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