Utah Tech University’s Dental Hygiene Program Is on the Road to Better Smiles

It is hard for children to grasp the idea of going to an unfamiliar place and having someone poke and prod at their teeth. Having dental work done can be frightening for people of all ages, but with the help of Utah Tech University and its community partners, local children and adults can access comfortable care through a new dental office on wheels! 

The University’s new dental hygiene van was unveiled on August 29, 2024, and set up at Root for Kids, a non-profit organization providing support for local children and families. The van contains portable equipment for teeth cleanings, radiographs, and fluoride treatments, which can be provided in the comfort of a patient’s home, school, or office. As a result, children and adults at Root for Kids are receiving dental hygiene care without the stress of finding a ride to the dentist or the trepidation of being in a dental office.

“We are setting up a generation for success by showing our kids that it is normal and pain-free to seek dental care,” said Tena Heward, Root for Kids health services officer. “We had a patient who had her child lying on her chest while she was getting dental help. It melts my heart that we are actively teaching people the importance of dental care.”

Utah Tech’s dental hygiene students also benefit from the new van, adding to their active learning experience by providing care to populations throughout the community who are in need. 

“Students participate in authentic and applied learning while providing dental hygiene care to patients who experience barriers to care,” said Brenda Armstrong, Associate Professor of Dental Hygiene. “Those barriers can be low health literacy, financial, transportation, time constraints, geographic, and even fear of the traditional dental office setting.”

Utah Tech’s dental hygiene program not only empowers students with hands-on experience, but it also plays a crucial role in community health. Offering care in nontraditional settings, students are helping bridge healthcare access gaps while demonstrating a commitment to both education and public service.

“Root for Kids has been involved with Utah Tech’s dental hygiene program since 2002,” Heward said. “We would bring our families to the dental hygiene clinic and have the kids get dental services done by the students. It is a rich relationship we have had for so many years.”

Utah Tech University’s dental hygiene program wouldn’t be possible without key donors, such as Red Door Dental, Oral & Facial Surgery Institute, Stephen Wade Mercedes Benz, and Van America.

For more information about Utah Tech’s dental hygiene clinic or to schedule an appointment, go to health.utahtech.edu/dental-hygiene/clinic/.