Tallahassee State College Unveils Cutting-Edge Dental Lab: A Game Changer!

Meet Terah Young, a 41-year-old trailblazer and the proud student of Tallahassee State College (TSC), diving into the world of dental hygiene with a passion that’s contagious! Part of an inspiring cohort of around 50 students, Terah is blazing new trails in TSC’s cutting-edge dental hygiene simulation lab.

After exploring various paths in healthcare, Terah finally found her calling in dentistry through TSC’s newly upgraded program—complete with a state-of-the-art lab that’s revolutionizing how students learn.

“I spent years nursing in the healthcare field, but it wasn’t where my heart lay,” Terah reflects. “I wanted to leverage my medical experience while stepping into a role that truly excited me.”

This transformative lab, newly opened this fall, is part of TSC’s nearly 50-year legacy of excellence in dental hygiene training, efficiently preparing aspiring dental hygienists and assistants for rewarding careers in just two years.

Thanks to a generous $1 million grant from the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, TSC has revamped its facilities, allowing students like Terah to hone their skills with the latest technology.

“Our previous lab had not seen upgrades in quite some time,” shares TSC Dental Hygiene Professor Debra Burtoft. “Now, our students are working with modern tools like ultrasonic scanners and simulators, mastering the art of cleaning, scaling, and polishing teeth.”

With an impressive track record of 100% certification passing rates, TSC’s dental program stands as a beacon of success! The program welcomes up to 30 dental hygiene students in each cohort, ensuring that future dental professionals receive individualized attention.

Curious about the difference between a dental hygienist and a dental assistant? While hygienists work independently with tasks like cleanings and X-rays, assistants play a supportive role alongside dentists. The average starting salary for dental hygiene graduates is $67,870, while dental assistants earn about $41,170. Talk about a lucrative career path!

Inside the lab, 30 new simulators each feature lifelike mannequin heads, providing students with invaluable hands-on experience prior to working with real patients.

“This setup empowers students to practice their skills safely before they step into real-world scenarios,” explains Professor Burtoft.

In other TSC news: TSC’s upcoming fall commencement marks the college’s first graduating class since its renaming!

‘A Win-Win for All’

But that’s not all! TSC’s program also features a Dental Hygiene Clinic, where students provide care to the community while gaining real-world experience. Patients are matched with students based on their expertise, ensuring a personalized approach to dental care.

“Some patients come in with minimal issues, while others require extensive care—ideal for our more experienced students,” Burtoft explains.

Cleaning and X-rays are incredibly affordable, with standard cleanings capped at just $15! Patients don’t need insurance, and cash is the only payment method accepted.

The process begins with a screening appointment lasting about an hour, followed by a more detailed cleaning session that takes three to four hours, always supervised by faculty to ensure quality care.

“Patients may save thousands by choosing our clinic, but we do need their time over their money,” Burtoft emphasizes. In the spring, students have been known to assist 150 to 200 patients weekly, demonstrating their commitment to community service.

“We feel incredibly fortunate to serve our community while our students learn and grow,” Burtoft adds. “It truly is a win-win situation.”

Transforming Lives One Smile at a Time

For many students like Terah, TSC’s dental program represents a significant life change. After initially attending a university, Terah returned to Tallahassee to pursue her passion for dentistry.

With a psychology degree from Florida State University in hand, Terah spent years working as a nursing assistant. Now, she’s eager to spread joy through dental care.

“My time in mental health made me realize I wanted to contribute to the well-being of others in a different way,” she shares. “I want to see happier patients, and I’m grateful for this opportunity.”

Another inspiring student, Sereena Kurdi, transitioned from working with children to focus on their dental health. “I want to improve lives through better smiles,” says the 22-year-old. “Oral health is the key to overall wellness.”

Josh Gowen is the only male in his cohort, breaking barriers in a traditionally female-dominated field. A recent public health graduate, he initially sought a nursing career but discovered a passion for dentistry after shadowing a hygienist.

As he prepares to graduate in the spring, he reflects, “Learning to use these instruments is like picking up a new language, but it feels amazing to put those skills into practice.”

Want to Get Involved?

For more information or to schedule an appointment, reach out to Tarah Jean at [email protected] or follow her on X: @tarahjean_.