Prairie State College dental hygiene students Dana Tarkowski, center, and Erin Gilbert present U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (D-Ill.) a bouquet of flowers during her visit to PSC where Kelly announced a $1 million grant that PSC will use to make improvements to the dental hygiene clinic. (Marilyn Thomas/H-F Chronicle)
Education, Local News

Rep. Kelly announces $1 million grant for PSC dental hygiene program

A $1 million federal grant will enable Prairie State College to expand its dental hygiene and dental assistant programs after updates are made to the clinic’s space on the Chicago Heights campus.

PSC recently remodeled the current clinic space. Each student works in an operatory set up like a dental office. The $1 million federal grant will give PSC resources to build out a second simulation clinic. 

Prairie State College Trustee Jay Readey of Flossmoor, left, and PSC President Michael Anthony, right, welcomed U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly to campus where she announced a $1 million grant to PSC. The money will be use for program improvements. A foot injury forced Kelly to remain seated. (Marilyn Thomas/H-F Chronicle)
Prairie State College Trustee Jay Readey of Flossmoor, left, and PSC President Michael Anthony, right, welcomed U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly to campus where she announced a $1 million grant to PSC. The money will be use for program improvements. A foot injury forced Kelly to remain seated. (Marilyn Thomas/H-F Chronicle)

The clinic is the only one of its kind in the South Suburbs. Students from other colleges can be admitted to the program through cooperative agreements.

U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly, (D-Ill.) was at the college Wednesday, March 15, to share the good news with staff. She said the money is from federal community project funding.

In announcing the grant, Kelly said: “This investment will have a positive impact on the entire region, and I am thrilled that it will create a more efficient and effective learning environment for students and make sure they have the tools they need to succeed in this economy.”

PSC President Michael Anthony said, “This money will go directly to expanding our reach in serving the community with dental services and also building the workforce.” He said the improvements will help shorten the program’s wait list.

Prairie State College dental hygiene students Dana Tarkowski, center, and Erin Gilbert present U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (D-Ill.) a bouquet of flowers during her visit to PSC where Kelly announced a $1 million grant that PSC will use to make improvements to the dental hygiene clinic. (Marilyn Thomas/H-F Chronicle)
Prairie State College dental hygiene students Dana Tarkowski, center, and Erin Gilbert present U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (D-Ill.) a bouquet of flowers during her visit to PSC where Kelly announced a $1 million grant that PSC will use to make improvements to the dental hygiene clinic. (Marilyn Thomas/H-F Chronicle)

The PSC Dental Hygiene Program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and the American Dental Association. Students complete the 82-credit hour program over four semesters and two summer sessions. PSC awards an associate in applied science degree at the end of the two years.

PSC is able to accommodate 38 students into the program. Last year, it had 116 qualified candidates. Developing a second simulation lab and putting other improvements in place will allow PSC to increase the number of students it serves.

“With this grant, we will establish a state-of-the-art simulation laboratory and will provide a safe and controlled environment for students to practice their clinical skills,” said Associate Professor Rebecca Buckle, clinical coordinator in the dental hygiene program.

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