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August 22, 2012

Entergy continues support of ULM's dental hygiene program

The dental hygiene program at the University of Louisiana at Monroe recently received a $2,500 grant from Entergy to support the ULM Mobile Dental Hygiene Unit.

This is the second grant in support of the mobile dental hygiene unit; Entergy also donated in January 2012.

The funds will support the provision of services to patients who utilize the mobile dental hygiene unit in the parishes of northeast Louisiana.

During the last academic year, children and adults received services in Morehouse Parish.

Dr. Denny Ryman, dean of the College of Health Sciences, praised Entergy for “their commitment to the Dental Hygiene program and the health care needs of the Louisiana Delta region.”

Ryman also commended Dr. Judy Fellows, associate dean of the College for her efforts in obtaining the grant funds from Entergy. 

For the fall 2012 semester, services from the mobile dental hygiene unit will be provided to students attending Rayville Junior and Senior high schools in Richland Parish.

Beginning Jan. 14, 2013, the mobile dental hygiene unit will be stationed at Richardson Medical Center in Rayville.

Jeff Aycock, regional manager for Entergy said, "Entergy employees here in North Louisiana are committed to giving back to the community by donating not just dollars, but also time, heart, and effort to a variety of social programs that help our customers today, and contribute to a better future for all.”

The Dental Hygiene Clinic at ULM was opened in 1972 with 10 operatories. The clinic now has 17 operatories.  There are also three operatories at Riser Elementary and Middle School, and three in the mobile dental hygiene unit.

More than 2,000 patients receive dental hygiene care in ULM's three clinics.  Supervised by faculty who are licensed Dental Hygienists, students provide teeth cleaning, x-rays, fluoride treatments, sealants, oral cancer screenings, patient education, and nutritional information.

“Because we believe in creating opportunities that allow individuals to achieve their full potential, one of Entergy’s greatest priorities is to invest in educational programs that open the doors to success,” continued Aycock.

“That’s why we are very proud to support the ULM mobile dental hygiene unit, which gives young adults valuable, hands-on career skills while also helping some of our community’s less fortunate to smile a bit brighter.  I had the opportunity to see the lab in use and witness the benefits it can bring to students and patients alike, and it is very rewarding to know that we at Entergy can assist in expanding this service to others in need in our rural communities, too.”

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