Hocking College’s Dental Hygiene program partnered with AmeriHealth to bring a fully equipped mobile dental clinic to the Nelsonville campus, offering oral health evaluations and education to students and community members, faculty and staff.
The mobile unit, donated for the day by AmeriHealth at no cost, served as a hands-on learning environment where dental hygiene students completed oral evaluations, oral cancer screenings and blood pressure checks. Students also used intraoral cameras to document findings and talk patients through their own oral health needs. Those who needed additional care were referred to Hocking’s dental hygiene clinic for treatment.
Dental Hygiene Program Director Misti Malfe said the experience helped students connect their classroom learning with the real needs they’ll see in the field.
“Opportunities like this help our students (patients) understand the direct link between oral health and overall wellness,” Malfe said. “They’re gaining clinical confidence, but they’re also learning what it means to show up for the community. The impact goes both ways.”
The visit also gave many Hocking students a chance to receive screenings and ask questions they might not otherwise feel comfortable asking.
“We saw how much a simple screening or conversation can change someone’s comfort and confidence about their health,” Malfe said. “Our students walked away energized and proud of the work they did.”
Hocking plans to continue its partnership with AmeriHealth in 2026 to offer additional screenings and educational events on campus.
For more information about Hocking’s Dental Hygiene program, visit https://www.hocking.edu/dental-hygiene.