CBC Forum January/February 2009

CBC Forum January/February 2009

Coastal Bend College

Volume 3, Number 3

CBC programs in line with future job trends

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Nursing graduates listed

Page 6 Dental hygiene grad invents Platypus flosser

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Mark Valdez’s Great Egret graces cover of 2009 calendar

More calendar photos inside...

CBC Forum

3800 Charco Road, Beeville, TX 78102 361.354.2399

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Can you give me information about CBC’s mult-

religious affiliations. Campus clubs give students

entry nursing program? Incoming students with

opportunities to connect with others that share

no experience enter at the first stage and work

similar interests and help students begin to

to become certified nurses’ assistants. Upon

build professional networks that they can use

completion, they can exit and go to work as a

throughout their lives.

CNA or continue to study vocational nursing.

CNAs and students who have completed the

Can I call my daughter’s professor when she has

equivalent coursework enter the vocational

academic problems? No. A student’s academic

Questions Answers

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nursing portion of the program. Upon completion and passing the state licensing examination, student can either enter the workforce or continue at CBC for an associate’s degree without having to repeat courses. Students who complete the next level of coursework will graduate with a Associate’s Degree in Nursing and can go to work or transfer to a four-year institution to earn a bachelor’s degree. Another option is for students to enter the program as new freshmen and work continuously to complete an associate’s degree.

progress is confidential by federal law. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act protects the privacy of student education records, according to the U.S. Department of Education.

I want to transfer to a university after I earn my associate’s degree. What do I do? All academic courses at Coastal Bend College, and any public community or junior college, are fully transferable to any public institution in the country. Most colleges have articulation agreements with area universities that allow students to work on their bachelors degree plans while earning associates degrees. Students can arrange individual agreements with CBC counselors.

I am facing a financial crisis. If I don’t get help, I’ll have to drop out of school. Can you help me?

Yes. Coastal Bend College has emergency funds that are available to students in unexpected

The school district used to offer GED prep classes, but they don’t anymore. Is this something I can do at the college? Yes. Adult Basic EducationCooperative Program serves the school districts of Mathis, Ingleside, Taft, Sinton, George West and Beeville. It is housed at the Lott Canada Facility at 900 W. Corpus Christi St. in Beeville.

Why should I join a club? Coastal Bend College clubs are a great way to make friends and do good in the community. Clubs center on academic interests, hobbies and civic interests.

Some clubs are chapter associations; others have

circumstance. Nora Morales, Director of Financial Aid, said that students faced with insurmountable expenses qualify for aid if they have a current Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file; meet eligibility criteria; are in good academic standing and have a demonstrated, emergency need. Applications are approved on a case-by-case basis and approval is contingent on the availability of funds. Information about Dreamkeepers Emergency Financial Aid Program is available at www.coastalbend.edu or through a CBC faculty member or counselor.

Got a question? Send it to jackson@coastalbend.edu.

CBC Forum is a publication of Coastal Bend College, Office of Institutional Advancement, 3800 Charco Road, Beeville, Texas. To receive a digital copy, send an email to Adrian Jackson at jackson@coastalbend.edu. Coastal Bend College does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, gender, age or disability. For more information about Coastal Bend

Coastal Bend College College, visit the website at www.coastalbend.edu or call toll free (866) 722-2838.

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CBC Forum

Photos from 2009 Coastal Bend College Wildlife Calendar

Painted Bunting by Alex Kibler

Green Kingfisher by Sylvia Garcia-Smith

Common Gray Fox by Jake Latcham

Male Northern Bobwhite by Dr. Grady Hogue, Jr.

Roseate Spoonbill by Jimmy Jackson

Contributing photographers: John Breidenbach Sylvia Garcia-Smith William Harrell Dr. Grady Hogue, Jr. James Hunt Sheryl Hunt Jimmy Jackson

Alex Kibler Jake Latcham Albert Reynolds Karen Savage Ken Turner Mark Valdez Jackie Waters

CBC Forum

3800 Charco Road, Beeville, TX 78102 361.354.2399

Check out the fastest growing occupations in the United States Coastal Bend College programs in line with future trends For most people, when deciding upon a career, it’s important to choose something they like, something they’re good at, something they are interested in and are excited about. But there are three little words that you might want to consider before jumping into any old career – Future Job Market.

The job market is kind of like the stock market in that, just like the stock market tells you which companies are in high demand, the job market is all about what jobs are in high demand.

Let’s face it – there aren’t too many career opportunities in the job market for underwater basket weaving (or things equally as unique). It’s probably not likely that you will land that “perfect job” in a field as rare as that. So it’s important to take into consideration what kind of jobs are boom-

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ing, which ones are growing fast and need people more and more every day to join the field.

So, to give you an idea of what kinds of fields are in high demand TODAY, here is a list from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statics: 1. Network systems and data communications analysts Coastal Bend College offers an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Computer Information Technology and a certificate in Networking Specialization.

2. Personal and home care aides CBC offers courses for those who plan to take the Certified Nurse Aide Examination.

3. Home health aides CBC offers courses for those who plan to take the Certified Nurse Aide Examination.

4. Computer software engineers, applications Coastal Bend College offers an Associate of Applied Science Degrees and certificates in Computer Information Technology.

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5. Veterinary technologists and technicians 6. Personal financial advisers Coastal Bend College offers an Associate of Applied Science Degree and two certificates in Accounting.

7. Makeup artists, theatrical and performance Coastal Bend College offers a certificate in cosmetology. Courses prepare students to take the state examination for licensing.

8. Medical assistants Coastal Bend College offers Associate of Applied Science Degrees and certificates in nursing, medical coding, radiologic technology and dental hygiene. CBC Continuing Education offers classes for phlebotomists, CNAs, home health care assistants, long term care activity directors and professional development.

CBC Forum

13. Social and human service assistants CBC offers courses in education and criminal justice as part of a universitytransfer, two-year Associate in Arts or Science Degree. Coastal Bend College offers Associate in Applied Sciences in Early Development and Education and Law Enforcement.

14. Gaming surveillance officers and gaming investigators Coastal Bend College offers an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Computer Information Technology and a certificate in Web/ Game Design.

15. Physical therapist assistants 16. Pharmacy technicians 17. Forensic science technicians CBC offers courses in criminal justice as part of a university-transfer, two-year degree. Coastal Bend College offers an Associate in Applied Sciences in Law

Let’s face it -- there aren’t too many career opportunities in the job market for underwater basket weaving.

9. Veterinarians 10. Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors 11. Skin care specialists Coastal Bend College offers a certificate in cosmetology. Courses prepare students to take the state examination for licensing.

12. Financial analysts

Enforcement and a certificate in Crime Scene Investigation.

18. Dental hygienists Coastal Bend College offers an Associate in Applied Science in Dental Hygiene that prepares students for state licensing.

19. Mental health counselors 20. Mental health and substance abuse social workers (Source: MakingItCount.com)

CBC Forum Congratulations, nursing grads

3800 Charco Road, Beeville, TX 78102 361.354.2399

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The following students earned Level I Certificates in Vocational Nursing.

A pinning ceremony was held last month.

Brenda Alaniz, Alice Elizabeth A. Benavides, Alice Esmeralda Benavidez, Kingsville Esmeralda Barrera, Alice Brittney Caillier, Alice Leanna Cantu, Alice

Vanessa R. Carrales, Kingsville Kelly Dagley, Kingsville Kayla Lynn Epperson, Beeville Krystal D. Garcia, Alice Nicole Garcia, Kingsville Raelynn Garza, Beeville Adrienne M. Givens, Kingsville Felicia-Ana V. Gonzalez, Beeville Heather Ferrer, Beeville Leila Gonzalez, Alice Leidy Longoria, Kingsville Dee Ann Martinez, Kingsville Joan P. Martinez, Beeville Irma G. Pena, Alice Gabriela Prall, Kingsville Barbara A. Quintana, Alice Inez Ramirez, Alice Peggy Rivers, Beeville Samantha Saenz, Kingsville Moses Salomon, Kingsville Diane M. Sanchez, Kingsville Rosa I. Sanchez, Beeville Veronica Irene Solano, Alice Cassandra Tijerina, Alice Jonathan J. Velasquez, Kingsville Roxanne C. Villalon, Kingsville Emily Kae Wolf, Beeville

Celebrate Inauguration Day On January 20, watch the historic swearing-in of Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States of America in the SUB. Viewing of live coverage begins at 8:30 a.m.

Cake and punch served in the SUB at 11 a.m.

Event sponsored by Student Government Assn.

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CBC Forum

COASTAL BEND PHOTOGRAPHY

Regional wildlife photo exhibit travels to Bee County There’s a story behind every photograph, so imagine the lessons learned from the traveling Coastal Bend Wildlife Photo Exhibit which features 159 award-winning museum quality photos. The exhibit showcases 22 different classifications of birds, and numerous classes of native mammals, insects, arachnids, reptiles, amphibians and landscapes of the Coastal Bend.

The Wildlife Photo Exhibit is on display at Coastal Bend College – Beeville Campus in the Grady C. Hogue Learning Resource Center (Library).

It is open to the public during regular operating hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays; 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursdays; and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Fridays. The show will run until Jan. 30.

The traveling exhibit is funded in part by the City of Corpus Christi Arts and Cultural Commission and credits our proud sponsors from the 2007 Photo Contest. The exhibit travels throughout 14 counties of the Coastal Bend. To date, it has visited more than 100 venues including libraries, museums, banks, schools, art centers and the airport. By the end of its two year tour, the photos will be seen and appreciated by over 100,000 people spreading public awareness about wildlife conservation. In addition to photo contests and exhibits, the collection educates the community through wildlife photo books --Wildlife in Focus, and an school environmental education program,

Kritters 4 Kids.

Known as one of the Richest Wildlife Photo Contest in the world, the Coastal Bend Wildlife Photo Contest is one of the most unique and innovative programs in the state. Prize money, $90,000 dollars, is raised to recruit top nature photographers from around the world as well as provide an economic incentive to landowners.

Contest administrators team photographers with Texas Coastal Bend Ranchers. Teams are given five months to photograph. Three world-renowned judges select 159 winning photos out of more than 4,300 digital images submitted. Winning photographers and landowners share the prize money equally. In Texas, 94 percent of land is privately owned, therefore it is that partnership that makes the photographs possible.

Many times it isn’t until the landowner sees his or her land through the lens of a photographer that they truly understand and appreciate their land and role they play in protecting it.

For more information about the exhibit or the next contest, contact Rhonda Camp at (361) 881-9316.

“Mixed Metaphors” Artists: Carole Greer and Jean Laman Gallery Exhibit: Jan. 22 - Feb. 19, 2009 Opening Reception: Jan. 22 , 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Frank Jostes Visual Arts Building Simon Michael Gallery Coastal Bend College -- Beeville Campus

CBC Forum

3800 Charco Road, Beeville, TX 78102 361.354.2399

Students can apply to CBC at ApplyTexas.org

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edu.

Future CBC students can now apply online at www.

Applytexas.org. For more information contact Kelly

Beeville Campus going green

Rea at (361) 354-2529 or mkdrea@coastalbend.edu.

Phi Theta Kappa, Rho Lambda Chapter has green collection boxes in each computer lab and around

Guest artists open mixed media show in Beeville

campus. Please place scrap paper in the boxes to be

Simon Michael Gallery will open the spring semester

picked up. A separate container for ink cartridges

with “Mixed Metaphors,” a collection from Carole

will be available shortly. If you have questions please

CBC News Events

&

Greer and Jean Laman. The show will run Jan. 22Feb. 19. The opening reception is set for Jan. 22 at 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Frank Jostes Visual Arts Building.

For additional information, contact Jayne Duryea at (361) 354-2322 or duyeaj@coastalbend.edu.

Motorcycle safety course offered The Department of Public Safety Motorcycle Safety Unit will hold a basis motorcycle safety course on Jan. 23-25 at Coastal Bend College. Class hours are 4-8 p.m. on Friday, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Participants will learn basic operation of equipment, bike safety, and learn how to dress for the road. After completing this course, students will be able to take their written test and eye exam at DPS. Dave Metcalf is the instructor. To sign up, contact CBC Continuing Ed at (361) 362-2633.

Two weeks in Cuernavaca Plan now for the annual cultural studies trip to Mexico.

The two week trip requires a passport. Students can earn dual-credit or college credit equivalent to a full semester of Spanish. Teachers can earn professional development credit or continuing education credit. The trip is July 10-26. Flight arrangements and reservations must be made now, so a $500 deposit is mandatory by April 1, 2009 to secure a slot. The trip is $1,600 per person with slight variances for tuition and fees. For more information or to make a reservation, contact Kay Past at (361) 354-2401 or kaypast@coastalbend.

address them to Janell Swango at (361) 354-2514 or janell@coastalbend.edu.

Dental care available in Beeville Dental clinic services available at Coastal Bend College include teeth cleaning, fluoride treatments, dental x-rays, site - specific antimicrobial placement and pit/fissure sealants placement. Appointments can be made for Mondays at 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.; or Wednesdays at 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Fees are $10 for general public; $5 for CBC student; and no charge for military (active or retired), CBC faculty, senior citizens 65 and older. To make an appointment, call the dental clinic at (361) 3542555. To make an appointment online, go to www. coastalbend.edu/Occu/dental/appointment.htm.

New CBC Testing Information website Students in the LAC will have quick access to testing information by clicking on the desktop icon which is on all computers in the Learning Assistance Center.

Students not using the computers in the LAC can reach the testing site by going to the following URL address: http://www.coastalbend.edu/testing/. The website contains information about each exam offered in the testing department and practice exams. For additional information, contact Roberta Kreis at (361) 354-2244 or kreisr@coastalbend.edu.

Coastal Bend College Performing Arts Schedule All events will be held in the Gertrude R. Jones Fine Arts Auditorium unless otherwise stated. Please note admission fees applicable to some events.

Tuesday, Feb. 3, 7:30 p.m. San Antonio Symphony A. C. Jones High School Gymnasium BCA Sunday, Feb. 8, 3 p.m. St. John’s Baptist Church Choir BCA Sunday, Feb.15, 3 p.m. Rebecca Pechefsky Harpsichord

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BCA Sunday, March 1, 3 p.m. Roland Salazar Vocal Concert CEC

CBC Forum

Awards given to Coastal Bend College faculty, staff for longtime service

Saturday, March 28 Beeville Community Chorus Talent Show & Dinner Dinner at 6 p.m. James R. Dougherty Student Union Building Performance at 7:30 p.m. Gertrude R. Jones Fine Arts Auditorium PAA Sunday, March 29, 3 p.m. Grupo Folklórico Tabasco (de La Joya HS) BCA BCA

--

Beeville

Concert

Association;$7 for adults; season ticket holders free. Children and students through high school age and CBC students with photo ID are free.

CEC -- no charge for CBC Cultural and Education Committee events.

PAA -- Performing Arts Academy.

Prices vary.

Simon Michael Art Gallery Exhibit Schedule January 22 -- Gallery Opening: “Carole Greer & Jean Laman, Professors of Art @ Texas State University,” Closes February 19.

Coastal Bend College recognizes years of dedication by employees who will mark milestones between September 2008 and August 2009.

The following employees are recognized for five years of service to the college: Erica Castillo, Beeville; Christine Moreno, Beeville; Christi Morgan, Alice; Raul Rodriguez, Beeville; Valerie Rosas, Beeville; Eloise Ruiz, Alice; Melissa Soto, Beeville; and Yvonne Tamez, Kingsville.

Coastal Bend College employees to be awarded for 10 years of service are Kevin Behr, Beeville; Kelly Craft, Beeville; Ernesto Lopez, Beeville; Margaret Rojas, Beeville; and Diego Sanchez, Kingsville.

Employees with 15 years of service to the college are Noemi Aguilar, Beeville; Guadalupe

Ganceres, Beeville; Roberta Kreis, Beeville; Randy Lindeman, Beeville; and Rito Silva, Jr., Alice.

Curt Villarreal, Beeville, will be recognized for his 16 years with the college.

Those to be recognized for 20 years of service are Erlinda Alvarado, Beeville; Rudy Bentancud, Beeville; William Knighton, III, Beeville; and Kathlyn Patton, Beeville.

Michael Kane, Beeville; and Ann Richmond, Beeville will be awarded for his 25 years of service.

CBC employees with 30 years of service are Glenda Garza, Beeville; Rafaela Moreno, Beeville; Mary Alice Rivera, Beeville; Glynis Strause, Beeville; and Bobby Uzzell, Beeville.

Men’s Basketball Schedule

February 26 -- “CBC Visual Arts Division High School Art Competition,” Closes March 13.

Barnhart Workshop Series To unite in the study of art in the promotion of art activities of cultural value. Open to all individuals regardless of experience and/ or education. Most workshops are free of charge.

January 3 Lee College at CBC Beeville6 p.m.

5 Weatherford College at CBC Beeville 8 Cedar Valley College at Lancaster7 p.m.

9 Brookhaven College at Farmers Branch 10 North Lake ake College lleg at Irving Ir g2 p.m.

13 Schreiner einer iner ner University niv JV at CB CBC C Beeville B 17 Southwest uthwest hwest Texas T Jr. College Coll at CBC CB Beeville 24 Kingwood ingwood wood d College at a CBC Beevill Beeville 27 Victoriaa College C Colleg at Victoria 31 Our Ladyy of The Lake Univ. aat San Antonio A

2 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

2 p.m.

2 p.m.

7 p.m.

1 p.m.

March 2-5 -- “China Painting” 9 a.m.4 p.m./Subject to be announced Artistin-Residence: Alzora Zaremba March 12 -- “Glass Blowing”/Artistin-Residence: Jayne Duryea, CBC Art Students & Guest Artists

February ry 5 Southwest hwest west Texas exa Junior Junio College at Uvalde 10 Victoria Collegee at CBC Beeville Bee Be 13 Our Lady of the Lake Univ. at CBC Beeville 17 Schreiner University JV at Kerrville

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

6 p.m.

7 p.m.

CBC Forum

3800 Charco Road, Beeville, TX 78102 361.354.2399

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Invention Borne of Passion

by Trisha E. O’Hehir, RDH, BS, Editorial Director, Hygienetown Magazine

Laura Morgan, RDH graduated from Coastal Bend College in Beeville, Texas, in 2001. She loves her job in a pediatric practice in Austin, Texas, and is excited and proud to help her patients achieve better oral health. In a career spanning only seven years, she has worked in a general practice, a pediatric practice, two offices in Switzerland and has invented and patented the Platypus flossing device for use around orthodontic appliances.

In a timed comparison, Laura showed that full mouth flossing with the Platypus could be done in just one minute compared to four minutes with a traditional floss threader on a patient with full orthodontic bands.

The future of the dental hygiene profession is in the hands of our young professionals who use their creativity to eliminate the barriers to achieving optimal oral health. Laura is an example of a clinician whose passion has driven her to solve the flossing problem for kids and adults with orthodontic appliances. I had the opportunity to talk with Laura recently to discover what being a dental hygienist means to her and how she has contributed to improving the oral health of many people.

Laura, what inspired you to become a dental hygienist?

Morgan: I’ve always known that I would choose a career helping others and was inspired by my own childhood dental hygienist. I remember her being so caring and genuinely concerned for my well-being. She had me chew disclosing tablets to show me areas of plaque and spent time showing me the proper brushing technique.

We’ve both lived and worked in Switzerland. Of course, I was there before you were born. To me the experience really shaped my life and my career. How did your Swiss experience affect you?

Morgan: There were both personal and professional influences. I was shy and reserved and the move to Switzerland proved to be a great way for me to learn how to be independent and gain confidence in myself. Living on my own in another country was

a great learning experience and a wonderful opportunity to travel and learn about other cultures. I had 17 weeks of vacation, which I treasured and used to see not only Switzerland, but other nearby countries.

Professionally, I worked in two dental practices that were quite different.

One was progressive with the same preventive philosophy I have, but the other was more concerned with making patients happy at the expense of removing subgingival calculus.

Seeing these differences confirmed my commitment to prevention and oral health.

What prompted you to design a new flossing device?

Morgan: One of my goals as a pediatric dental hygienist is to use my knowledge and integrity with each and every patient. We see several orthodontic patients in our practice and I was noticing the prevalence of gingivitis and decalcification amongst these individuals. Good oral hygiene is vital to successful orthodontic treatment, so when I asked patients if they were flossing on a regular basis, most said, “No, not at all.”

Most patients said they just couldn’t figure out how to floss with the threader. Others stated that flossing required too much time out of their busy schedules. Adapting dental floss through brackets and arch wires can be very difficult and time consuming, especially for the younger population.

For this reason many adolescents

Article originally appeared in Hygienetown, October 2008 [Volume 4, Issue 8] Copyright 2008, Hygienetown.com Inc. Used with permission of the publisher.

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CBC Forum

in between teeth it eventually hardens and turns into calculus, which can only be removed by dental professionals. The longer this calculus remains on the teeth, the more the bacteria accumulate and build destructive colonies that eventually destroy the supporting structures.

What did you think would work to solve this problem?

Morgan: It seemed to me that a floss holder would work if it easily slipped under the arch wire to reach the interproximal, subgingival surfaces. I wanted something that made flossing easier for patients so they could do it every day and prevent the serious problems I was seeing.

How long did you work on your idea?

resist thorough cleaning around braces because of the lack of ease and time necessary to do so.

Because of the lack of flossing, the gums were becoming more and more inflamed and moving closer to the brackets.

removed. Puffy and inflamed tissue around the brackets during the whole orthodontic experience can only lead to demineralization and eventually caries lesions.

Why did you focus on a flossing device?

Their clinical conditions were only getting worse as the months Morgan: Flossing is the best way went by. I also dealt with parents’ to remove the bacterial plaque frustrations seeing the white spots that accumulates between the and cavities after the braces were tooth and gum. If plaque remains

Morgan: I worked on it about a year, before submitting the patent.

To make the first prototype, I used what we had in the office, starting with a toothbrush and some orthodontic wire. First, I cut the bristles cut off the toothbrush.

Then I used a burr to drill a very small hole on the very end of the handle. I heated orthodontic wire and put it into the hole and used pliers to bend the wire into a shape that would slide underneath the orthodontic arch wire.

My employer was very supportive Continued on page 10

CBC Forum

3800 Charco Road, Beeville, TX 78102 361.354.2399

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Continued on page 10

and encouraged me along the way.

I tested the prototypes with our patients, to get clinical feedback and refine the design.

Did you know any inventors before you became an inventor?

Morgan : Yes I do know another inventor who also lives in Austin, Dr. John Updyke, who invented

CBC dental hygiene grad gains national attention for Platypus flosser the White Oral Wonder (WOW) crown for anterior deciduous teeth. I asked for his advice about the patent process and getting my flosser made.

With his advice, I spoke with a patent attorney and submitted the necessary paperwork to apply for a patent. I had to do a patent search to be sure my idea wasn’t already patented and then I had to describe it in detail, including diagrams. Patents also require information about who will use the product, how they will use it and what the benefits are. The patent application I submitted was 25 pages long.

“Don’t give up your dental hygiene job!

During this process, I’ve invested $10,000 and my first goal is to earn enough from my licensing fee on the sale of Platypus flossers to pay myself back.”

Did you consider manufacturing your flosser in Texas?

Morgan: I did look into manufacturing after I received notification and a confirmation number on March 14, 2007, for a provisional patent. I spoke with a plastics manufacturer

in Austin and just to get started the price was $10,000. That was more than I could afford, so I began talking with different companies at the Texas Dental Meeting in May 2007, to see if anyone was interested. I was looking for just the right person who had the same passion for their work that I have for mine. That’s when I met Fred Van de Perre, owner of Paradise Dental Technologies in Missoula, Montana.

His enthusiasm and compassion for the dental hygiene instruments he was manufacturing caught my attention right away.

Fred is a Townie who is very supportive of dental hygienists. What caught your eye at that particular meeting?

Morgan: Fred was showing the strength of his instruments by pounding them on the table to show they wouldn’t break and wanted others to give it a try! I immediately thought, “This guy knows what he is talking about and is obviously confident in the quality of his product.” His instruments are all made in the United States and 100 percent guaranteed.

What other company offers that? So we arranged a meeting the following morning. I showed him my prototype and shared with him my vision for the Platypus.

Once you struck a deal with Fred and PDT, what happened next?

Morgan: Between May and February 2008, when we launched the Platypus,

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there were several details to work out. Manufacturing needed to be organized, which meant going from my crude prototype to the final product.

This is quite exciting and should really improve the oral hygiene of those undergoing orthodontics.

I’m sure other Townies would like to know, is this the way to get rich quick?

Morgan: My message to other hygienists with a product idea is don’t give up your dental hygiene job! During this process, I’ve invested $10,000 and my first goal is to earn enough from my licensing fee on the sale of Platypus flossers to pay myself back that entire amount. After that, I’ll start counting a profit.

I love my job and working with kids and don’t plan to give it up any time soon.

I know you’ve been inspired by your patients, to find a better way for them to maintain their oral health. Has anyone outside the dental office inspired you?

Morgan: Another inspiration for me is my grandmother. She was pronounced terminally ill with a heart condition and given a poor prognosis. She was hooked up to machines in the hospital for a while.

I noticed that the nurses were not brushing or flossing her teeth on a daily basis, which infuriated me

www.coastalbend.edu

to no end! I thought “Don’t these nurses know that there is a strong correlation between periodontal disease and heart disease?”

The fact is that people with gum disease have a 25 percent greater risk of heart disease than those with healthy gums. When a patient suffers from gum disease, the cytokines and endotoxins responsible for the inflammatory response are released into the blood stream. It has been proven that inflammation in one area of the body can cause inflammation in other areas of the body. Luckily, I was able to visit my grandmother on my lunch breaks and would floss and brush her teeth every day.

I’m happy to report, she defied the prognosis of the doctors and is alive and kicking today!

CBC Forum

Coastal Bend College Dental Hygiene Clinic

Monday appointment times: 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., and 5 p.m.

Wednesday appointment times:

Thank you Laura. You’re an inspiration to us all. You followed your passion and are making a difference with the Platypus, helping orthodontic patients effectively and easily floss to achieve good oral health. The Platypus is small enough to fit in your back pocket, keep in the glove compartment in the car or in a nightstand in the bedroom, and it’s so easy to use.

Keep spreading the dental hygiene message of oral health and prevention. For more information, please visit www.pdtdental.com, or call 800-240-9895.

8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

Fees: $10 for general public, $5 for CBC student.

No charge for: Active Duty or Retired Military, CBC faculty, Senior citizens 65 and older

Call (361) 354-2555 for an appointment

CBC Forum

3800 Charco Road, Beeville, TX 78102 361.354.2399

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(361) 362-COED

Continuing Ed offerings in January, February Beeville: Med Aide Refresher

for all levels, using modifications if

Lailey Sczepanik will teach a refresher

necessary.

course in Medication Administration

Beeville: Phlebotomy Gain venitech skills at CBC Lott-

for Med Aides on Saturdays. Med

Beeville: Youth Guitar

Canada Facility. Class dates are Feb.

Aides are required by law to complete

Linda Switzer will teach beginning

7 through March 7, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

an annual 7-hour update prior to their

and intermediate guitar for six- to

Participants are required to complete 15

permit expiration date. Med Aides who

eight-year-olds on Mondays evenings,

8-hour days of clinicals. A high school

do not take the refresher will have to

4-4:55 p.m. on Mondays, Jan. 26-May

diploma or GED is required as well as

retake the 140-hour Med Aide course.

4 at Coastal Bend College Gertrude R.

proof of TB test, MMR (rubella), and

One-day classes are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Jones Fine Arts Auditorium. Lessons

Hepatitis immunization.

at CBC Lott-Canada Facility, 900 W.

for nine- to 12-year-olds are Mondays,

Corpus Christi St. in Beeville, on the

5-5:55 p.m. on Mondays, Jan. 26-May 4.

following dates in 2009: Jan. 24, Feb.

Children must bring their own acoustic

21, March 21, April 25, May 23, June

guitar. The recital is May 4 at 7 p.m.

27, July 25, Aug. 22, Sept. 26, Oct. 24,

Alice: (361) 664-2981 Ext. 3046 Beeville: (361) 362-2633 Kingsville: (361) 592-1615, Ext. 40553 Pleasanton: (830) 569-4222, Ext. 1223

Beeville: Stained Glass

Beeville: Medical Admin I

Sue Rogers will teach stained glass for

Lailey Sczepanik will teach Medical

Kingsville: Med Aide Refresher

beginners during a five-week course at

Administration I for Certified Nurse

Floyd Green will teach a refresher

Roger’s Studio in Beeville. Students

Aides listed on the Texas Nurse Aide

course in Medication Administration

will learn how to create stained glass

Registry in active status. Classes will

for Med Aides on Saturdays. Med

projects using the lead came and copper

be held on Mondays and Thursdays,

Aides are required by law to complete

foil methods. Classes are Tuesdays and

Feb. 9 to June 15, 5-9 p.m. at CBC

an annual 7-hour update prior to their

Thursdays, Jan. 27, 29; Feb. 3, 5 and 10.

Lott-Canada Facility, 900 W. Corpus

permit expiration date. Med Aides who

Students can sign up for the morning

Christi St.

do not take the refresher will have to

(9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) or evening

retake the 140-hour Med Aide course.

(6:30-9:30 p.m.) workshop.

Nov. 14 and Dec. 12.

One-day classes are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Pleasanton: HVAC/Air Conditioning Coastal Bend is pleased to offer a

at Coastal Bend College – Kingsville

Beeville: Ballet

new program to teach HVAC/Air

Campus in Kingsville, on the following

Young ballet students will learn beauty,

Conditioning principles and start

dates in 2009: Jan. 24, Feb. 21, March

poise, balance and grace through

students on a career path towards an

21, April 25, May 23, June 27, July 25,

exercise and movement of dance. They

HVAC/Air Conditioning technician!

Aug. 22, Sept. 26, Oct. 24, Nov. 14 and

will learn and perform a group of

The class will begin Feb. 10 and run

Dec. 12.

exercises essential for developing the

every Monday and Wednesday evening,

muscles correctly. Classes for three-

6-9 p.m. This first in a series of classes

Beeville: Yogalates

to five-year-olds are held on Tuesdays

will run for eight weeks or 48 contact

Workout sessions with an emphasis on

Jan. 27 to April 21, 4:30-5:30 at Coastal

hours. Tuition for the class is $139 plus

Yogalates, a combination of yoga and

Bend College Gertrude R. Jones Fine

fees and books.

pilates, will be held on Mondays and

Arts Building in Beeville. Ages six to

Wednesdays, Jan. 26- April 8 at Coastal

12 meet on Tuesdays Jan. 27 to April

Pleasanton: CNA

Bend College, Room B-126. Yogalates

21, 5:45-6:45 p.m. Recital is April 14 at

Coastal Bend Pleasanton is now forming

targets all-around flexibility, balance,

6 p.m. Students will need black leotard,

C.N.A. (Certified Nursing Assistant)

core work and stretching. Classes are

pink tights, pink ballet shoes.

classes for the spring semester. Shot

Page 15

www.coastalbend.edu

CBC Forum

records showing proof of the Hepatitis

Continuing Ed instructors wanted

Instructors sought for Kids College

B three-shot series or TITER test

Coastal Bend College is expanding the

Kids College, a program of children’s

confirming Hepatitis B vaccination is

course offerings in continuing education

summer activities, is planning for 2009

required. Evening classes will start

to include a wide variety of classes to

camp. Instructors are being sought for

Jan. 22. Please apply now to reserve

meet the needs of the community. There

courses such as art, music, martial

your spot in the class. Financial aid is

is a need for more qualified instructors.

arts and other fun events that involve

available for those who qualify. Tuition

If you can teach courses such a cake

children in educational opportunities.

is $508 with an additional $172.70 in

decorating, cooking, dancing, music,

If you are interested in teaching a

supplies and fees.

art, health-related topics, send your

component of this program, send your

resume to Glynis Strause, Coordinator

resume to Glynis Strause, Coordinator

Alice: Food Safety

of Continuing Education, 3800 Charco

of Continuing Education, 3800 Charco

Food Safety Manager Certification

Road, Beeville, TX 78102 or email to

Road, Beeville, TX 78102 or email to

Examination and Prep Course is an

ghstraus@coastalbend.edu.

ghstraus@coastalbend.edu.

education package which includes the Food Safety Manager Training preparation course and the Texas Department of State Health Services approved Food Protection Management Examination. Classes will be held in Alice on Feb. 21 and 28. Participants must attend both sessions.

Beeville: Wellness Kristi Rowlett teaches internal exercises (Qi Gong) for weight control and pain management. Class includes introduction to Qi, healthy nutrition, motivation and teaching techniques. Class dates are Mondays and Wednesdays, Jan. 5 to March 31, 6-8 p.m. at CBC Lot-Canada Facility.

Pleasanton: Leadership Atascosa

MONTERREY April 24-26, 2009

CBC Spanish Club 9 Annual Excursion To Monterrey, México th

Anyone can participate. The excursion is available to CBC students, staff, families, friends and interested community members. $248 includes: Double occupancy for 2 nights in Hotel Gran Ancira in downtown Monterrey, round-trip charter bus transportation from Beeville to Monterrey, excursions to Cola de Caballo, Paseo de Santa Lućia (Riverwalk), museums and other attractions. The price for a single occupancy is $308. The cost for a child, 12 or under, in a room with two adults is $175 per child. $50 deposit due by March 12; balance due by April 10, 2009.

Required for Travel

The next class for up-and-coming

U.S. Passport OR Birth Certificate with State Seal and Photo Identification

leaders in Atascosa County is forming

Passports for land travel will be required after June 1, 2009.

County

for a Spring start. Leadership Atascosa County (LAC) is a training program based on the Texas Rural Leadership Program curriculum. Participants

¿Para más información?

For more information, please contact Kay Past at (361) 354-2401 or by e-mail: kaypast@coastalbend.edu

will earn continuing education credit while learning skills that will enable them to be more effective leaders in the community. The Texas Rural Leadership Program provides further information at www.trlp.org.

Coastal Bend College does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, gender, age, or disability.

www.coastalbend.edu

Dia Del Mariachi

CBC Forum

3800 Charco Road, Beeville, TX 78102 361.354.2399

Page 16

Present the Seventh Annual Dia Del Mariachi

Saturday, March 7, 2009

Dia Del Mariachi 2008 Winners Edinburg High School Mariachi Primer Orgullo: Best Overall Group; Best Trumpet Section (tie); Best Violin/Flute Section; and Best Overall Group Vocalists.

PLUS Special Guest Appearance

Saturday March 7, 2009 at 7:30 p.m.

Selena Audtiorium, Corpus Christi, Texas For more information contact: Juan Jose Sanchez Coastal Bend College 704 Coyote Trail Alice, TX 78332 (361) 664-2981, Ext. 3042 Fax: (361) 668-9277 or log on to www.mariachimusic.com Coastal Bend College does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, gender, age, or disability