Dental Students Sharpen Their Skills on Wild Animals’ Teeth

Springfield, MO, April 22, 2010 --(PR.com)-- Second-year students in the Dental Hygiene program at Ozarks Technical Community College in Springfield, Mo., visited the Dickerson Park Zoo last week to provide dental treatment for two female maned wolves.

“This opportunity is part of a yearly project in which the Dental Hygiene students choose a community service they would like to provide,” explained Marge Bell, director of the College’s Dental Hygiene program. “They try to make it something that is interesting to them, and still within their scope of practice.”

After the wolves were placed under anesthesia, and examined by the zoo’s veterinarian, Dr. Erica Wilson, the Dental Hygiene students examined and cleaned the wolves’ teeth. Instructors from the Dental Hygiene program accompanied the students to the zoo, but the students did all of the hands-on work on the wolves.

“We just became aware today that there are a lot of veterinarians out there that may hire dental hygienists to help them provide care for their animals,” said student Autumn Rayle. “Just knowing that’s yet another opportunity for the profession of dental hygiene is pretty exciting.”

Photos of the Dental Hygiene students working on the wolves are available. To request photos, please contact Ozarks Technical Community College's public relations staff by emailing publicinfo@otc.edu or calling (417) 447-2654.

Ozarks Technical Community College offers associate degrees and certificates in a variety of technical, allied health, and two-year transfer degree programs, as well as workforce development opportunities and non-credit courses. Classes are available at five locations throughout southwest Missouri; students can also earn a complete associate degree through the College’s online classes. A degree can be completed in two years or less, at a fraction of the cost of many area colleges. For more information or to register for classes, visit www.otc.edu or call (417) 447-7500.

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