DAYTON, Ohio — Sinclair Community College dental hygiene students joined a special clinic Monday and were able to provide dental care to 45 refugee children.

Sinclair students gave teeth cleanings and basic dental check-ups for the children. The event was created through a partnership between Sinclair, Catholic Social Services of the Miami Valley, Ebenezer Healthcare Access and the Montgomery County Educational Service Center.

What You Need To Know

  • Sinclair students gave teeth cleanings and basic dental check-ups for the 45 refugee children

  • Montgomery County Educational Service Center is working through a federal grant to connect service organizations with refugees in the Dayton area

  • In 2023, Catholic Social Services of the Miami Valley resettled 493 individuals into the Dayton area

  • Sinclair's dental hygiene students provided dental care to nearly 1,200 patients during the 2023-24 academic year

The 45 patients came from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Colombia.

“Sinclair is proud to work with community partners to provide an experience that not only allows our students to apply their hands-on skills in a real-world setting but also embodies Sinclair’s commitment to giving back to the community,” said Dr. Bonita Kipling, chair of the Sinclair Community College Dental Health Sciences Program, in a news release. “It's heartwarming to see our students making a tangible difference in the lives of these children, promoting oral health, and fostering a sense of community support and care."

Montgomery County Educational Service Center is working through a federal grant to connect service organizations with refugees in the Dayton area.

“Through actions of faith, service, and charity, and with the generosity of our donors, our dedicated staff, and dozens of volunteers, we help these individuals build new lives and find hope. Our wonderful partnership with Sinclair Community College exemplifies this mission, as the students provide essential dental care to the children, ensuring their health and well-being as they integrate into our community," said Alyssa Jacobs, Refugee Resettlement Program Manager of CSSMV.

In 2023, Catholic Social Services of the Miami Valley resettled 493 individuals into the Dayton area by setting up housing, necessities, enrolling children in school, finding employment, helping explain transportation and sharing resources for language classes, legal aid and health care.

"Our collaborative efforts focus on addressing essential needs and gaps in needs, such as cultural and financial education, and ensuring access to services. Ultimately, we want to do everything we can to help refugees thrive in their new community. By fostering strong partnerships, we aim to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all," added Diane Farrell, Project Coordinator of MCESC.

Sinclair's dental hygiene students provided dental care to nearly 1,200 patients during the 2023-24 academic year. Patients ranged in age from 3 years old to 70 years old.