Two major grants fund Manor's community dentistry program (01/16/00)

Two major grants fund Manor's community dentistry program

JENKINTOWN, Pa. - The dental hygiene program at Manor College recently received two grants to fund two community dentistry volunteer programs.

Manor College is one of seven colleges nationwide to receive a 1999 Johnson & Johnson Voluntary Service Award. The grant of $5,000 was awarded from the Foundation for Independent Higher Education to fund dental hygiene students' participation in a Health and Wellness Fair held at St. John's United Church of Christ in Lansdale, Pa., on October 9, 1999.

Students and faculty members distributed dental care brochures and supplies, as well as answered questions relating to good oral care, according to the clinical coordinator of the dental hygiene program, Donna Eastabrooks. Supplies were also donated to nurse ministry for the homeless.

This grant also allowed Manor students to contribute to the college's annual Ukrainian Festival, providing attendees with answers to dental care questions and distributing handouts. There are also limited funds set aside to subsidize dental hygiene services for those who cannot afford them.

The dental hygiene program also received a $5,000 grant provided by the John McShain Charities through the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Pennsylvania. Manor was one of three colleges to receive the grant out of nine eligible Philadelphia-area schools. This grant will allow the students to complete a project called PhilaSmile, which will benefit a local elementary school.

PhilaSmile, will coincide with Children's Dental Health Month in February. Manor's dental hygiene students will visit St. Josaphat Elementary School in the Frankford section of Philadelphia. The students, in teams of two, will present 30- to 45-minute programs in each classroom. They will prepare appropriate programs dealing with topics related to oral health. Hands-on activities will engage the children in active learning and encourage interaction between the children and the hygiene student presenters.

Goody bags containing oral care products and brochures will be distributed. A $15 preventive services package - including a dental examination by a licensed dentist from Manor's dental health center, X-rays (if needed), a cleaning and a fluoride treatment - will be offered to the students and their families.

Manor's dental hygiene program provides comprehensive didactic instruction and technical training in its six-semester dental hygiene curriculum. The dental hygiene program is accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation. The college has operated a dental clinic for 20 years, treating more than 2,000 patients annually. The dental hygiene program is Manor's most competitive academic program, attracting eight applicants for each open student position. Manor also offers expanded functions dental assisting, which also is popular and competitive.

Manor College is a private, two-year, co-ed, Catholic college founded in 1947 by the Ukrainian Sisters of St. Basil the Great. In offers programs and 14 majors leading to associate degrees, six certificate programs, one diploma and a transfer program through its allied health; science and math; business; and liberal arts divisions.

With an enrollment of over 700, Manor College has earned a reputation for providing comprehensive two-year transfer and strong technical programs, boasting a 92 percent retention rate - one of the highest among the 64 colleges and universities located in the Philadelphia area.

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