Dental Hygiene Receives Grant from BCBS of SC

PHOTO: FDTC Dental Hygiene student, Symone Lewis strengthens her skills in the HSC Dental Clinic.

FLORENCE, S.C. (September 28, 2021) – Florence-Darlington Technical College recently received a grant funded by the BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina Foundation to support the goals of its Dental Hygiene program.

The purpose of the “Improving Oral Health Outcomes” grant is to expand the oral health care reach to South Carolina residents through increased free community dental events and updated dental equipment. The grant will target three specific groups in the Pee Dee. FDTC’s targets are children, individuals referred from local free medical clinics, and any adult who needs an oral cancer screening.

“We look forward to expanding our reach within the community and are excited to be a resource that Florence and surrounding counties can lean on for free and quality dental care,” said Alicia Johnston, FDTC Dental Hygiene Program Director.

The funding will pay for individuals to obtain free preventive dental treatment in FDTC's community dental clinic that is located in the Health Sciences Campus in downtown Florence, and it will also be used to update radiography machines, sterilization equipment, and student simulation equipment.

“I can’t think of a more deserving program to receive this grant,” said FDTC Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Marc David. “We have a wonderful dental clinic, a very capable director, faculty and staff, and some of the most dedicated students anywhere. What an awesome gift for FDTC and the Pee Dee community.”

The “Improving Oral Health Outcomes” grant is one of The Foundation’s Healthy Priority Grants that focuses on five areas, including access to care, building a stronger workforce for health, improving the quality and value of health and health care, investing in the health and well-being of South Carolina children and families, and research/special projects.

For more information about the Dental Clinic at the FDTC Health Sciences Campus, please email Alicia.Johnston@fdtc.edu or call 843-661-8224.