Dental Hygiene Students Deliver Vital Protection to Matane Athletes – A Breaking News Update
MATANE, QC – October 11, 2024 – In a heartwarming display of skill and community spirit, the graduating class of the Dental Hygiene Techniques program at Cégep de Matane has begun providing free, custom-fitted mouthguards to young athletes from the Matane Hockey and Bleu&Blanc football teams. This isn’t just a practical exercise for the students; it’s a crucial service protecting local athletes from potential concussions, and a shining example of training anchored in real-world needs. This is a developing story, and archyde.com is bringing you the latest updates.
From Classroom to Clinic: Putting Skills into Action
The initiative, which unfolded on October 10th, is a direct application of the students’ coursework in prosthodontics. Taking impressions and crafting these protective devices was initially introduced in their second year of study, but this project allowed them to move beyond textbooks and work with a genuine clientele. Each of the eight graduating students expertly took two impressions, setting the stage for the creation of 16 personalized mouthguards. These won’t be off-the-shelf solutions; each protector will be meticulously polished and fitted within the next two to three weeks, ensuring optimal comfort and protection.
Beyond Cost Savings: The Importance of Custom Mouthguards
Marie-Jaelle Paul-Desmarais and Linda Bernier, the dedicated teachers and dental hygienists behind the project, emphasized the dual benefit: practical training and essential community service. “These mouth protectors effectively promote the prevention of concussions, by absorbing shocks received in the jaw, especially in contact sports such as football and ice hockey,” explained Paul-Desmarais. The financial impact is also significant. While the Cégep clinic-school typically charges $50 for a custom mouthguard – a fraction of the $300 some private clinics may charge – these athletes are receiving them entirely free of charge. But the value extends far beyond dollars and cents.
A New Era of Accessible Dental Care in Matanie
This project is part of a larger effort to expand access to oral healthcare in the Matanie region. The recently inaugurated dental hygiene school clinic at Cégep de Matane is now open to the public, offering services at significantly reduced prices. This provides a vital resource for the community while simultaneously offering invaluable hands-on experience for the students. They’re learning to perform essential procedures – from cleaning and descaling to taking radiographs and screening for oral diseases – under the supervision of experienced professionals, building the confidence and reflexes needed to thrive in their future careers.
The Growing Awareness of Sports-Related Concussions
The focus on concussion prevention is particularly timely. Recent years have seen a dramatic increase in awareness surrounding the long-term effects of concussions, especially in youth sports. Mouthguards are now widely recognized as a critical piece of protective equipment, helping to distribute impact forces and reduce the risk of serious head injuries. Choosing a custom-fitted mouthguard, as these athletes are receiving, is paramount. Unlike boil-and-bite options, custom guards offer a superior fit, providing maximum protection and comfort. This initiative isn’t just about dental hygiene; it’s about safeguarding the health and well-being of Matane’s young athletes.
For those interested in learning more about the Cégep de Matane dental hygiene clinic – including pricing, contact information, and appointment scheduling – visit their website: Dental care at advantageous prices: CEGEP hygiene school clinic – Cégep de Matane. This project demonstrates the power of collaborative education and its positive impact on the community, setting a precedent for similar initiatives across the region and beyond.
