March 24, 2025
Professor Georgeann Kamer is proud of the service the James Kadel Dental Hygiene Clinic at Shawnee State University provides to the surrounding community. The clinic, housed in the Health Sciences Building on campus, offers affordable dental care for those who may not have dental insurance.
“The prices are a great deal,” Professor Kamer said. “You could call your own dental office and ask how much certain services are out-of-pocket to make a comparison in costs. Our service – no matter how long it takes or how many visits – will still be $25 for adults.”
The Director of the Dental Clinic and the university’s Dental Hygiene program, Professor Kamer sees the clinic’s mission as an important tool in her students’ education as they learn to interact with patients and create treatment plans.
The James Kadel Dental Clinic welcomes everyone interested in scheduling an appointment. The clinic’s staff offers a range of services including cleanings, x-rays, fluoride, sealants, impressions, etc. The clinic serves all – from students and non-students, Portsmouth residents to those in surrounding counties, and children to geriatrics.
Current Dental Hygiene students provide the care in the clinic with their work frequently checked by experienced faculty members to ensure quality. During visits, students will review the patient’s medical history, take vitals, go over HIPAA, and document all paperwork to be signed, reviewed, and approved by faculty before the oral exam and treatment plan is created. A full list of service details and pricing guideline are available online at shawnee.edu/dental-clinic.
Professor Kamer finds working with the students in the clinic rewarding and has advice for those looking to enter the field.
“Do your research beforehand,” she said. “Look into visiting a couple of dental clinics because every office has a different atmosphere. Ask your hygienist if you can observe them and ask them questions.”
For those interested in entering the career field, Professor Kamer notes that Dental Hygiene is a high-growth field for those interested and qualified.
“It is a high-demand field right now,” she said. “We have more dental hygiene positions than dental hygienists. The job market is not saturated at all, so it is the perfect time to want to be a dental hygienist.”
As part of the degree’s clinical requirements, Dental Hygiene students have to meet a quota of patients treated within a certain period of time. Many of these patients are made up by students and staff on campus, members of the Golden Bear organization, and recurring community members.
To schedule an appointment with the James Kadel Dental Clinic, or if you have any questions, call (740) 351-3241 or (740) 351-3236. To learn more about the clinic, visit shawnee.edu/dental-clinic.