St. Clair College is trading in its standard school colours of green and gold this week for a different hue: purple.
The colour purple is associated with dental hygiene and the official colour of dental professionals. And this week, purple lights will be featured prominently at the pond at the entrance of the Windsor Main Campus, as well as the Nexus Arena, to mark Dental Hygienists Week and Oral Health Month.
It’s all part of the ‘Put Your Purple On’ campaign where communities participate by lighting municipal landmarks purple.
“National Dental Hygienists Week is an exciting and meaningful way for dental hygiene students to celebrate the profession while helping to educate others about the importance of oral hygiene,” said Leslie Morneau, the Program Coordinator for the Dental Hygiene program. “It provides a valuable opportunity for students to get involved in the community, spreading awareness about oral health and the connection with overall health.”
National Dental Hygienists Week is celebrated annually from April 4 to 10 and is sponsored by the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association (CDHA).
During this week, dental hygienists and organizations across the country are hosting events, offering educational programs, and engaging with the public to promote the importance of regular dental care, good oral hygiene practices, and the essential work dental hygienists do.
The theme for this year’s occasion is "Oral Health for Total Health," reminding us that taking care of our mouth, teeth and gums positively impacts other aspects of our lives. It’s a concept that emphasizes the connection between oral health and overall health.
It’s also a great time to recognize their contributions to the healthcare field, educate communities about preventing oral diseases, and encourage people to visit their dental hygienists for routine cleanings and check-ups.
“As we celebrate National Dental Hygienists Week and its theme, ‘Oral Health for Total Health,’ I want to recognize the outstanding work of our Dental Hygiene Coordinator, Prof. Morneau and all our Dental Hygiene students. Their dedication to education, outreach, and patient care is truly inspiring,” said Dr. Stephanie De Franceschi, Chair of the School of Health Sciences. “Through their hard work and preparation, they are not only raising awareness about the vital connection between oral health and overall well-being but also making a real impact in our community.”
“Thank you for your commitment to 'excellence in all we do' and for shaping the future of oral healthcare,” Dr. De Franceschi said.
St. Clair’s Dental Hygiene students are highly engaged in the week, hosting a raffle outside the dental clinic for a chance to win an electric toothbrush and oral hygiene basket. Tickets are $5 each or three for $10. All donations will support Transition to Betterness (T2B) in purchasing oral care supplies for their patients.
“National Dental Hygiene Week has always held a special place in my heart throughout my time as a dental hygiene student at SCC,” said Jessica Norman, a third-year Dental Hygiene student and CDHA student leader. “Celebrating current and future dental hygienists and their commitment to helping everyone improve and understand their oral health helps raise awareness of the importance of the profession and oral health in general.”
“Celebrate with us from April 4-10, 2025, by wearing purple and focusing on your oral and overall health,” Norman said.
Dental hygiene is the sixth largest registered health profession in Canada with professionals working in a variety of settings, including independent dental hygiene practice, with people of all ages, addressing issues related to oral health.
As part of the Dental Hygiene program, the students provide comprehensive dental hygiene care in our community dental clinic. The St. Clair College dental clinic is a teaching facility where students are supervised by registered dental hygienists and a dentist. Dental Hygiene students provide the following services:
- Complete Oral Exam
- Radiographs (if prescribed)
- Periodontal Scaling
- Selective coronal polish
- Fluoride treatment
- Sealants
- Oral hygiene instruction
- Nutritional counseling (Tailored to oral health)
- Tooth whitening
- Mouthguards
For more information, or to book an appointment at the Dental Clinic, please visit the website.
