Many people cringe at even the mention of going to the dentist’s office, and that's proving to be an obstacle for North Country dental hygiene students. As our Katie Gibas tells us, these students offer free exams to the public twice a week, but they need more people willing to have a cleaning in order to complete their degree.

WATERTOWN, N.Y. -- If you live in rural New York, you know it can be tough to find a dentist, unlike the hundreds available in the cities, but a dental hygiene program at Jefferson Community College is working to attract and keep healthcare professionals in the area.

"I live about an hour away. I'm married with two children and moving is not an option for me. So I was taking some prerequisites, hoping a program like this would come through," said Cori-Ann Blodgett, dental hygiene student.

Now Blodgett and several others can stay and work near home. It's made possible by grant money from the Northern New York Rural Health Care Alliance. Dental hygiene students take classes online and get their clinical experience by offering free exams in Watertown, and now they're asking for your help because they need volunteers who want a good cleaning.

"This is very important for us because we get to advance in our careers and this makes so many more opportunities for us," said Blodgett.

"It's nice because we get our own individual rooms. We're not in one big area where everybody can see each other. It's more like the profession is and the real world," said Marissa Taber, dental hygiene student.

Those who participate in the program say it's not only a great way to fulfill their requirements and learn the necessary skills to be a dental hygienist, it's also important help to the community.

"We provide a valuable service through dental cleaning and x-rays. These are things that people, especially people without dental insurance tend to avoid because of the expense," said Kim Laurion, dental hygiene clinical instructor.

An expense they won't need to worry about if they sign up to donate their time and their smile.

If you're interested in getting a cleaning, the service is offered by appointment on Wednesday evenings and on Saturdays at North Country Children's Clinic's dental offices at 238 Arsenal Street, Watertown. Appointments can be made by calling The Children's Clinic at 788-9834 or by requesting an appointment online at www.childrens-clinic.org. Be sure to mention that you are requesting a free dental cleaning. A dental hygiene student will contact you to confirm your appointment.

If you're interested in the dental hygiene program, there is an informational meeting Monday, March 22, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. in the science building at Jefferson Community College in Room 2-107 (the amphitheater in the science building).