PRCC dental hygiene students brighten kids'' smiles

HATTIESBURG – Approximately 60 children left Pearl River Community College dental hygiene clinic with bright smiles Friday, Feb. 3, after participating in the annual Give Kids A Smile event.The PRCC dental hygiene program in conjunction with the South Mississippi Dental Society hosted the annual event, providing PRCC students practical experience in treating children and giving the kids clean teeth.It felt good, said Kearra Duffy, a 9-year-old Rowan Elementary School student. I was getting all the germs out of my mouth and my mouth was squeaky clean.The Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club brings the children to the clinic for the event.It is an invaluable early learning experience for our first-year dental hygiene students, said Dr. Stan Hill, program director. They are in the initial phase of their clinical training.While PRCC provides the hygienists and the clinic, the South Mississippi Dental Society provides the supplies and dentists who exam the children teeth.It just a way for us to give back to the community, said Dr. Lana Clarke of Hattiesburg. We hope we can reach some kids who cant get treatment on a regular basis.In addition to cleaning and polishing teeth, the PRCC students also instructed the kids on the correct way to brush and floss.It helps me get hands-on activity and makes me more confident in knowing what Im going to do when I graduate, said student Debra Ellis of Petal.For information about the PRCC dental hygiene program, call 601 554-5509 or go to

Each community college president is asked to bring two (2) wrapped door prizes, minimum value of $50 each. We will have a station set up at the conference for you to drop off the door prizes.

Each community college is asked to provide name tags for their Board members, administration, and staff attending the conference.