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Local Students Explore Dental Careers and Technology at GC America

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Posted: June 12, 2017
Edited by Dentaltown staff

ALSIP, Ill.—Students from Prairie Junior High School’s Chemistry Club enjoyed learning at local dental manufacturer, GC America this spring.

Staff from GC America led students on a tour of their facility, allowing them to see the equipment and processes involved in manufacturing their products. Students observed the many components involved in making dental supplies and learned how chemistry is incorporated into the manufacturing process.

After touring the facilities, Dr. Mark Heiss, director of regulatory affairs and academic affairs for GC America, taught students to perform a polymerization reaction to make different molds. The supplies were manufactured in the facility, and students were taught to make molds of teeth, just as a dentist would for a patient. Students enjoyed speaking with local scientists and observing different career options for which chemistry is essential.

This student program, which falls under GC America’s Corporate Social Responsibility Program, received support from the American Dental Association and America’s ToothFairy: National Children’s Oral Health Foundation and is slated to expand over time to additional high schools and student clubs.

Visitors to the 2017 Alsip Community Expo and Craft Fair hosted by the Alsip Chamber of Commerce may have also benefited from GC America’s community outreach efforts. At the event, GC America staff distributed educational information about the importance of dental health and tips for maintaining positive oral health habits. GC America plans to extend this educational effort into several Alsip schools in the fall, providing oral health instruction to local students. This program was also supported by the ADA and America’s ToothFairy: National Children’s Oral Health Foundation.

In July 2017, GC America will break ground on a new training center designed to provide continuing education for dentists, dental hygienists and other dental professionals. Once complete, this facility will increase opportunities for local students to engage in hands-on learning and exposure to dental and manufacturing careers.

“GC America is proud to provide opportunities for local students to observe the application of the science and technology they are learning in the classroom in a real-life manufacturing setting,” said Heiss. “We look forward to engaging more student groups in learning about dental careers and the technologies behind the innovative products manufactured right here in Alsip.”
 
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