CBC FOUNDATION NEWS
DENTAL HYGIENE EDITION WINTER 2024
EDUCATING THE FUTURE FACES OF DENTISTRY
CBC’s Dental Hygiene program trains tomorrow’s oral health professionals. The immersive program elevates students’ capabilities and offers a bachelor’s degree or certificate to provide a pathway for career advancement.
CBC NEW
CBC FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS David Billetdeaux, Chair Port of Benton
CBC News
DENTAL HYGIENE PROGRAM FLOURISHES THANKS TO DONORS
Melda Velasquez, Vice Chair & Board Development Chair Kadlec Regional Medical Center Matt Backlund, Treasurer & Finance Chair Community First Bank
CLINIC EXPANSION SUPPORTS RECORD COHORT OF STUDENTS
Douglas Christensen, Secretary HMIS Matthew Petersen, Immediate Past Chair Petersen Hastings Rebekah Dobbs, Gift, Estate and Planned Giving Chair Gesa Credit Union Marsha Halverson, Fund Development Chair Educator, Retired Lynn Tegeler, Scholarship Chair Central Plateau Cleanup Company Rebekah Woods Columbia Basin College President Andrew Chung Gesa Credit Union Maggie Esquivel Gravis Law Stephanie Green Washington River Protection Solutions Ann Harper Artist Kedrich Jackson Columbia Basin College Trustee Moses Jaraysi Whitney LaMarche Hadron Intinsic Consulting, LLC Shawn Nyman CBC Faculty Representative Mitch Peterson CompuNet Edgardo Quiroz-Moreno Keller Williams Jaime Shimek Pacific Northwest National Laboratory Holly Siler, Columbia Basin College Trustee Camden Simmelink Student Representative
In January 2020, donors made the expansion of CBC’s Dental Hygiene Clinic a reality. The 16,961-square-foot clinic at CBC’s Medical Science Center in Richland features laboratory, radiology and classroom spaces and grew from 12 to 22 patient chairs. The facility can accommodate 33% more students in the Dental Hygiene program and has the capacity to serve additional patients. “Thanks to CBC’s incredible community of supporters, we are teaching our highest number of students who will graduate next spring,” said Kristen Lauerman, CBC’s Director of Dental Hygiene. The clinic’s learning environment allows Hawks to hone their skills in a real-world setting. Students perform dental exams, X-rays, teeth cleanings, limited restorative treatments, and other services for low-income and uninsured patients under the supervision of registered dental hygienists and clinic dentists. Learn More About CBC’s Dental Hygiene Clinic & Program Offerings at columbiabasin.edu/dentalhygiene
New Program EXPANDS SKILLS OF DENTAL ASSISTANTS To address the growing gap of dental professionals locally and statewide, CBC’s new Expanded Functions Dental Auxiliary Program provides certified dental assistants with the knowledge and skills required to perform a wider range of procedures under the supervision of a licensed dentist. The program trains dental assistants to place restorations (fillings) and temporary crowns, take final impressions and complete other procedures. Expanding dental assistants’ scope of services lets patients receive multiple required treatments in one visit and increases access to dental care in underserved areas.
Kyle Simmons CG Public House Adan Tijerina Tayler Welch Monte Nail, CPA Paige Wyatt Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
CBC FOUNDATION STAFF Erin Fishburn Executive Director Devon Holze Sarah Murphy Timmy Song
DENTAL HYGIENE STUDENTS WIN FIRST IN STATE COMPETITION
CBC students (now alum) Mikayla, left, and Elizabeth, right, celebrate their award-winning research presentation on oral health with Adjunct Instructor Bobbi Thompson at the 2023 Washington Dental Hygienists’ Association Symposium for Oral Healthcare Professionals.
Program Tailored for Working Professionals The program spans the Winter and Spring quarters with a flexible curriculum of online courses and in-person sessions. The in-person classes are scheduled on evenings and Saturdays. The program offers theoretical knowledge and practical experience and includes apprenticeship-based clinical sessions, allowing dental assistants to gain hands-on experience in their work environments. CBC’s program is one of only four in Washington. Scan the QR code to learn more.
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A HEART FOR SERVING OTHERS CBC Dental Hygiene Program Alum – Where They Are Now
MARISOL CARDENAS
MIKAYLA ALONZO
A summertime memory from when Marisol Cardenas (pictured left) was 10 set her on the path to her future career.
Mikayla Alonzo (pictured right) loves helping others, a trait passed on from her father. “My dad instilled a heart of service in me,” Mikayla explained. “He was raised working in sugar cane fields in Nebraska since he was 7 and has always been involved with the community and helping others.”
“That summer, health clinic workers brought a mobile dental clinic to the campground in Mount Vernon where my family and other seasonal farm workers lived,” Marisol said. “The volunteers were all incredibly helpful and caring. That experience has always stuck with me.” Marisol enrolled at CBC after high school, earning her associate degree and working as a dental assistant before pausing her studies to focus on raising her daughters. After a few years, she returned to CBC and graduated in 2022 with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene. “CBC is an amazing place and inspired me,” she said. “Director Lauerman’s classes were my favorite, and Instructor Bobbi Thompson provided constant encouragement, even during personal hardships in my final year.” Marisol received help from donors along her journey and now works at Columbia Basin Health Association in Connell and Othello. “I am committed to giving back to the CBC Foundation,” she shared. “Without the support I received, like a scholarship and gas and food assistance, I wouldn’t have been able to make it through, and I’ll always be grateful.”
Initially interested in becoming an elementary school teacher, Mikayla switched to dental hygiene to pursue a career that would allow her to serve others and help improve their health. “The support I received from the CBC Foundation helped so much,” she said. “I had a 1-year-old son then, and my husband worked graveyard shifts to help get us by. Without that scholarship, I wouldn’t have been able to make it through.” Mikayla excelled and graduated at the top of her class with her bachelor’s degree in 2023. Today, she is giving back to her community, working at the Columbia Basin Health Association in Othello. “My time in the Dental Hygiene program at CBC was the best experience,” she said. “Everyone there helps you succeed and learn, and I still hear the voices of my instructors like Bobbi Thompson and Andrea Jones in the back of my mind, guiding and encouraging me.”
Why We Give! “As a forward-thinking organization, Willamette Dental Group is committed to investing in the evolution of oral healthcare and brightening the futures of dental professionals in our community. We’re proud to contribute to a program that prepares students for success.”
Kris Holgerson
SR. VICE PRESIDENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES WILLAMETTE DENTAL GROUP
2600 N. 20th Ave. Pasco, WA 99301
F O U N DATI O N
NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
PASCO, WA 99301 PERMIT 92
NEW YEAR, NEW CHAPTER,
New Legacy! Write the next chapter of your story and leave a legacy for CBC students with FreeWill’s free online estate planning tool. Your plan is an opportunity to pave the way for a future where you, your loved ones and our students can thrive.
PATIENT CARE FUND The CBC Dental Clinic gives low and uninsured patients the opportunity to receive care while helping our students complete their required treatments for graduation. However, initial dental hygiene therapy costs ($250) prevent many patients from receiving care. Your gift of $100 toward our $5,000 goal to our Patient Care Fund $100 Club will make it possible for patients to receive vital services and students to graduate ready to provide the highest level of professional and compassionate care in our community. We will recognize all $100 Club members in the Clinic and at the pinning ceremony. Thank you for helping the next generation of dental hygienists be the best they can be!
foundation@columbiabasin.edu
PHONE
509.542.4436
WEBSITE
columbiabasin.edu/foundation
PLEASE CONSIDER A DONATION BY CREDIT CARD, GIFTS OF STOCK OR THROUGH YOUR DONOR ADVISED FUND.