MESA, Ariz. – April 21, 2026 – Mesa Community College’s (MCC) fully accredited Dental Hygiene Program not only prepares students for successful careers in the profession through cutting-edge academics, scientific procedures and methods, but lays the groundwork for developing a sense of commitment to the communities in which they will one day serve.

A critical component of the program’s curriculum, the Senior Capstone Community Service Project, part of the Community Oral Health course, pairs groups of students with local community organizations that serve individuals who could benefit from oral health education and support..

“This project has been a fundamental part of MCC’s dental hygiene program for many years,” said Dawn Brause, RDH, MEd, MCC second year dental hygiene clinical coordinator. “The project requires groupings of 3-4 students to select an underserved population of their choice with the goal of advising participants how to assess, prioritize and address oral health deficits specific to that population.” 

In 2026, 13 MCC dental hygiene students selected three capstone projects involving three organizations comprising 36 participants. These included: 12 Title I child participants at Don Mesendick School, a middle school in Glendale; nine Down Syndrome participants at Impact Dance Studio in Tempe; and 15 special needs participants at Guthrie Mainstream Services, which assists the developmentally and/or physically challenged in Mesa.

Students visit participants multiple times to collect data which is used to develop and implement an educational, non-invasive and service-based plan tailored to the needs of each group. Brause provided several examples of such interventions: 

• To learn proper brushing techniques, participants first practice on typodont models with Play-Doh or with yellow dye solution to simulate biofilm/plaque and then practice on themselves. 

• For good nutrition habits, students provide participants with education on healthy food choices for meals and snacking, and decay prevention.

• When learning about practices contributing to overall health knowledge, participants receive information about brushing frequency, flossing and dental visits. 

• To understand attrition (tooth grinding) and its effects, participants complete a crayon activity to simulate enamel wear using varying pressure to observe differences.

• Through demonstrations using a simulated rope model, participants learn proper flossing techniques.

Plans are assessed using outcome rubrics to measure participants’ improvements in knowledge and dental health.

This year’s assessments found deficits in brushing techniques, tongue cleaning and scraping, flossing, proper nutrition and snacking habits, attrition education, oral health knowledge and missing teeth education.

“This tells us that dental hygienists are absolutely vital in assisting communities and populations with limited or no access to traditional dentistry. By providing preventive education and care, they can help improve not only oral but general health as well,” Brause added.

Earning an Associate in Applied Science in Dental Hygiene at MCC prepares students for the necessary licensure requirements to begin a successful career in the field. With a critical shortage of dental hygienists in Arizona and across the country, particularly in rural areas, there’s never been a better time to explore the opportunities available at MCC in this field. Visit the program mesacc.edu/dental for additional information. 

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Media Contact: Dawn Zimmer, dawn.zimmer@mesacc.edu, 480-461-7892

Mesa Community College (MCC) is nationally recognized for its excellence in university transfer, career and technical programs, civic engagement, and innovative education. Serving more than 25,500 students annually, MCC offers a range of degree and certificate programs across its two campuses and additional locations. MCC students contribute more than 8,500 hours of community service annually. MCC serves as a key resource for education, workforce development, and lifelong learning. The college enhances student success through Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services. A Hispanic Serving Institution, nearly 50% of MCC students are first-generation college attendees, and it boasts the largest Indigenous student population among Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) colleges, supporting students from 22 Arizona tribes and additional out-of-state tribes. Our award-winning faculty are committed to helping students achieve their goals through high-quality education, training and undergraduate research opportunities. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, MCC is one of 10 MCCCD colleges. Learn more at mesacc.edu/newsroom.

MCC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), hlcommission.org.

The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District. MCCCD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.