Sanford-Brown College Introduces New Dental Hygiene Associate Degree Program

New Program Will Bring Free Dental Clinic to Serve Skokie and Surrounding Communities

SKOKIE, ILL., April 17, 2012 — According to Chicago Public Radio, Illinois has the third largest underserved population in the country with regards to dental care. As the demands for dental care increase, dentists are entrusting many responsibilities for patient education and preventive care to dental hygienists. To help meet this need and prepare students for a career in dental hygiene, Sanford-Brown College in Skokie is now offering a new program for the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Dental Hygiene.

Applications for the April 23 start date are now being accepted. Students can apply online at www.sanfordbrown.edu/Skokie, or in person at the campus, 4930 Oakton St., Skokie.

“With the growing need for preventive oral care and the flexibility a career in dental hygiene may provide, the Dental Hygiene program is an incredible opportunity to pursue a career in the dental field,” said Dr. Shirley M. Beaver, Dental Hygiene Program Director. “Our goal is to build a foundation that will help students pursue opportunities with the knowledge and clinical experience they need to succeed.”

This new hands-on, career-focused educational program will be led by Dr. Beaver, RDH, who comes to Sanford-Brown College with nearly 30 years of experience in dental hygiene education. She also served as President of the Illinois Dental Hygienists’ Association and is an active consultant for the Commission on Dental Accreditation.

Free Community Dental Hygiene Clinic

The Bridge to Healthy Smiles campaign estimates that there is one dental clinic in Cook County for every 15,700 children who rely on public aid. Students entering the new Dental Hygiene program will be able to make a difference, putting their new skills into practice at Sanford-Brown College’s free Community Dental Hygiene Clinic. Scheduled to open to the public in February 2013, the free clinic will afford Sanford-Brown students the opportunity to provide various dental hygiene services to the community, expanding their access to dental care.

“Sanford-Brown College is committed to providing its students a quality education.  We also are dedicated to the community in which we operate.  The Dental Hygiene program and the Community Dental Hygiene Clinic is a great example of this commitment,” said Scott Lesht, President of Sanford-Brown College-Skokie. “We are fortunate to have a very experienced Program Director in Dr. Beaver.  Her years of experience coupled with our strong Program Advisory Committee will be a great benefit to our students and the community.”

About Sanford-Brown

Founded in 1866, Sanford-Brown Colleges and Institutes provide quality, hands-on training for students who are passionate about the healthcare industry and offer them the support and resources to advance personally and professionally. Sanford-Brown College –Skokie offers certificates in Dental Assisting, Dialysis Technology, Medical Assistant, Sterile Processing Technician, and Surgical Technology. Sanford-Brown College –Skokie is just one of the 38 Sanford-Brown campuses across the country. Sanford-Brown is a career training and non-degree and degree-granting institution.  Programs vary by location.  To learn more about the Skokie campus, please call 847-983-1200 or visit http://www.sanfordbrown.edu/Skokie.

Sanford-Brown Colleges and Institutes are part of the Career Education Corporation (NASDAQ:CECO) network of universities, colleges and schools.  All Sanford-Brown Colleges and Institutes are accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS).  SBI - Monroeville and Pittsburgh are accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) and also by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS). Sanford-Brown cannot guarantee employment or salary.  Find disclosures on graduation rates, student financial obligations and more at www.sanfordbrown.edu/disclosure.  For more information about the Sanford-Brown schools please visit http://www.sanfordbrown.edu/.