Plaza College Introduces First Dental Hygiene Program In Queens

NEW YORK, Aug. 15, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Plaza College's new degree program in Dental Hygiene has received initial accreditation from the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) of the American Dental Association (ADA).  The awarding of this accreditation is the culmination of a two-year long process of self-study, program review, and site evaluation. 

Designed to address the increasing need for access to oral healthcare, Plaza's is the only dental hygiene program in the borough of Queens and the first new program in all of New York City in the past 27 years. 

"There is a well-documented need for oral healthcare prevention and treatment for patients of all ages, particularly the diverse population in the borough of Queens," explains Dr. Laura Sleeper, RDH, Dental Hygiene Program Director.  "Our program will not only train high-quality hygienists to fill the voids in the workforce, but it will also provide oral healthcare services through student hygienists in our community clinic."

The Plaza College Community Dental Clinic will be opening in conjunction with the program.  The clinic will be open to the public, expanding the community's access to dental care and allowing for the treatment experiences the student hygienists needed to complete the program and obtain licensure.  Students will screen patients to determine their oral health status and develop a treatment plan to provide quality care under the supervision of licensed dentists and hygienists. 

"The participation of the community members is essential to the success of the students," said Dr. Burton Wasserman, program consultant and former head of Dental Medicine for NY Presbyterian/Queens.  "It's a no-brainer – a win-win for everyone involved."

Applications are now being accepted for students to begin the program in September 2017.  Interested candidates should contact the Admissions Department at 718-505-4188. 

For more information on Plaza College's Dental Hygiene program, visit plazacollege.edu/dental-hygiene.

About Plaza College
Plaza College was founded in 1916 and is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.  Plaza College offers associate and bachelor degrees in allied health, business, dental sciences, and legal studies.

SOURCE Plaza College

Related Links

http://www.plazacollege.edu