Laker Nation News

A gift from Heartland Dental will allow Lake Land College to upgrade equipment and tools in the Dental Hygiene Clinic where students learn to provide patient care and prepare to enter the workplace as dental hygienists.

“We are truly grateful to Heartland Dental for partnering with Lake Land College and investing in our students’ future. This generous gift will provide state-of-the-art training equipment and educational opportunities for our dental hygiene students,” Lake Land College President Josh Bullock said.

Lake Land College students provide dental cleanings, X-rays and education to patients in the Dental Hygiene Clinic on campus in the Northwest Building. The gift provides for new dental units, chairs and equipment that allow students to receive hands-on training and experience found in the workplace. With the new units, the college will be able to install computers in the stations that allow students to utilize software to chart electronically, enter patient information and data and receive training on technology current to many offices in the industry.

Heartland Dental’s gift to the Lake Land College Foundation goes beyond the $250,000 monetary value as it allows the college to take advantage of the organization’s pricing discount, bringing the total gift value to $678,000.

“Not only is Heartland Dental committed to supporting our surrounding community, but supporting those who are shaping the minds of future dental professionals,” explained Patrick Bauer, president and chief executive officer at Heartland Dental. “As the dental industry continues to evolve, world-class education is crucial. Lake Land College understands this and continually strives to set students up for success. We’re excited to help them advance their educational capabilities for future hygienists even further.”

There are 50 students enrolled in the Lake Land College Dental Hygiene program, with approximately 970 alumni graduating since 1968. Many of the alumni are now employed with Heartland Dental, the largest dental support organization in the United States with more than 750 supported dental offices located in 34 states.

Renovations are expected to begin this spring.

“Dental Hygiene students progress through a rigorous course of education that provides them with the intellectual and technical knowledge to enter the workforce and begin providing patient care in a professional setting,” Lake Land College Allied Health Division Chair/Nursing Instructor Karla Hardiek said. “Students first provide patient care to one another and then progress to family members and community members. With the advanced technology provided by Heartland Dental’s gift, our students will learn advanced skills that will transfer seamlessly into the workplace.”

Heartland Dental and Lake Land College are hopeful funds will be available to include a Dental Hygiene Tutoring Center within the project scope.

The Lake Land College Dental Hygiene major is a competitive, special admission program. Students are admitted to the college in a track program and begin working on pre-requisites prior to the application period. The Lake Land College Dental Hygiene program is fully-accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation. For more information look for the Academics tab at www.lakelandcollege.edu.

With headquarters in Effingham, Ill. and founded by Rick Workman, DMD, Heartland Dental offers supported dentists and team members continuing professional education and leadership training, along with a variety of non-clinical administrative services including staffing, human relations, procurement, administration, financial, marketing and information technology. For more information, visit www.Heartland.com.

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