Changing Futures, One Smile at a Time

Access to dental care can change a child’s future.

That impact was on full display at Utah Tech University, where the dental hygiene clinic buzzed with energy as student clinicians welcomed young patients for a day dedicated to prevention, education, and brighter smiles.

During its annual Children’s Dental Health Day on Jan. 31, Utah Tech’s Dental Hygiene program provided comprehensive oral health care services at no cost to local children. By the end of the day, forty-seven children had received essential preventive care, while dental hygiene students gained hands-on experience that will shape their careers.

Under faculty supervision, students delivered dental hygiene therapies, cleanings, radiographs, fluoride treatments, and sealants. For many children, it was more than a checkup—it was access to care they might not otherwise receive.

“This event gave students the opportunity to not only provide care to a population that often lacks access but also to gain valuable experience,” Senior Clinic Coordinator Jessica Atkinson said. “Experiences like this help students build confidence, apply what they are learning in a real-world setting, and ultimately become more career-ready practitioners.”

Throughout the clinic, small but meaningful moments unfolded: a student explaining each step before polishing a child’s teeth; a faculty member offering guidance; and a parent watching with relief as an appointment wrapped up successfully.

For dental hygiene student Jessica Hadlock, those interactions are what make the event memorable. “For me, the most rewarding part of providing care to children who might not otherwise have access is knowing that the care they receive now can impact the rest of their lives,” Hadlock said. “Early preventive care can help them grow up with healthier smiles.”

Beyond cleanings and fluoride treatments, the day emphasized education, such as teaching proper brushing techniques, healthy habits, and the importance of regular visits.

“It was so rewarding to see kids walk out with a smile,” Hadlock said. “Creating positive dental experiences early on will hopefully encourage them to continue seeking care as they get older.”

Children’s Dental Health Day reflects more than a single day of service. It highlights Utah Tech’s commitment to community-engaged learning, where students serve real people, respond to real needs, and see firsthand how their skills strengthen the community.

By the time the clinic doors closed, the impact lingered—in the confidence of student clinicians, the gratitude of families, and most visibly, forty-seven brighter smiles across Southern Utah.

Learn more about Utah Tech’s Dental Hygiene Clinic at health. utahtech.edu/dental-hygiene/clinic.