Chelsea Wood, Erica Ruiz — Salina Area Technical College Dental Hygiene Clinic

In this episode of King in the Community, host Nate King discusses the Salina Area Technical College's Dental Hygiene Program with Chelsea Wood, a dental hygiene student, and Erica Ruiz, the dental patient coordinator. The conversation highlights the role of Salina Tech’s Dental Hygiene Clinic in providing affordable oral healthcare while serving as a training ground for future dental hygienists.

The clinic offers professional teeth cleaning with personalized treatment plans, preventative care such as sealants and fluoride treatments, and cosmetic tooth whitening with custom bleach trays. These services are provided under the direct supervision of licensed dental hygienists and dentists, ensuring quality care while addressing the growing demand for dental professionals in the region.

The episode covers key aspects of the program, such as its competitive admissions process, small class sizes, and high job placement rate—over 90% of graduates secure employment before graduation. Wood shares her experience as a parent navigating the program’s demands, while Ruiz provides insight into how the clinic balances student learning with community care.

Listeners will also receive practical details about the clinic at 2562 Centennial Road, Building A, in Salina, Kansas. Appointments, which can take up to three hours, can be made by calling 785-309-3146 or emailing DentalClinic@salinatech.edu. Fees for services include $20 for adult cleanings, $15 for child cleanings, $5 per tooth for sealants, and $20 for whitening services.