NC Dental Hygiene students are using their clinical training to remove barriers for local children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
On March 30, the NC Dental Clinic at the Welland Campus opened its doors to clients of Bethesda Children and Youth Services, welcoming children and teens between the ages of five and 15.
Forty-nine Dental Hygiene students sank their teeth into this meaningful community service. Working in pairs, they provided essential oral hygiene education, took x-rays, scaled and polished teeth, and administered fluoride treatments while collaborating closely with the clinic dentist. This year’s initiative continued a vital collaboration with Bethesda which began in 2018, offering reduced cost care for children with an ASD diagnosis who are registered with Bethesda and the Ontario Autism program.
“Our continued collaboration with Bethesda allows our students to put their training into practice while making a real difference for local families,” said NC Dean of Health Sciences Sinéad McElhone. “By providing essential care in a compassionate and inclusive setting, our students gain invaluable experience in adapting to the needs of diverse populations. We are proud to see them use their education to help our community smile a little brighter.”
Bethesda’s Manager of Children and Youth Services Corrin Oosterhoff applauded the continuation of the initiative.
“We are very grateful that we are able to continue to collaborate with Niagara College – the students are incredibly welcoming to families and the setup of the clinic allows for a supportive and safe space for our families,” she said. “This partnership has created a positive experience for both our clients and students, and we value the ongoing impact.”
Oosterhoff noted that the specialized clinics offer their families the ability to be successful at their own pace, whether that might be that they becoming more comfortable in the clinic setting or success might mean having a full dental appointment.
“This service is a low pressure atmosphere for our families, the students are incredibly supportive of what our children and families need,” she said. “The flexibility helps build confidence and promotes a more positive long-term experience with going to a dental appointment.”
For the Dental Hygiene students, the experience served as a clinical session. Allied Health Professor Samantha Pischedda noted that the students learned to adapt their approach using strategies like desensitization, visual supports, and clear communication.
“They also develop an understanding of how to create a supportive and predictable environment, which can help reduce anxiety and build trust with the child,” said Pischedda. “Students will learn empathy, patience, and flexibility; qualities that are essential for healthcare providers.”
Over the years, the relationship between NC’s Dental Clinic and Bethesda has become a cornerstone of the program, Pischedda noted, offering Dental Hygiene students opportunities to grow.
“There’s often a noticeable shift in their comfort level, communication skills, and overall perspective after working with Bethesda clients,” said Pischedda. “It is also wonderful to see how happy clients, parents, and caregivers are after the child has a successful dental visit.”
To ensure the clinic ran smoothly, preparation was key. Students reviewed client information surveys to understand sensory considerations and personal preferences. Many also reached out to parents and guardians before the appointments to introduce themselves and answer questions.
Taryn Walsh, Program Coordinator and Professor of the Autism and Behavioural Science program, visited the Dental Hygiene students in class in advance of the clinics, to provide an overview of ASD.
“Individuals with ASD often struggle due to the high level of sensory stimulation in dental environments combined with challenges with functional communication (for example to express discomfort) and difficulty with being out of routines,” said Walsh. “Every individual is unique and will respond differently, and it’s important to take their time and use the tools available from Bethesda (noise cancelling headphones, visual supports, reinforcement, etc.)”
The opportunity to help others drew Beamsville resident Ellie Short to the Dental Hygiene program.
“I think this experience will be really helpful for me as I continue through the program and move into my career. I’ve worked with individuals with developmental disabilities before, but this is a completely new setting for me,” said Short. “It feels like a great opportunity to connect my past experience with what I’m learning now in dental hygiene, and to keep building my confidence working with patients in a more hands-on, clinical environment.”
Short expressed a deep personal connection to the work. She had looked forward to helping Bethesda’s clients feel comfortable and supported, and strove to create a stress-free, inclusive dental care environment for them.
“I find it really rewarding,” she said. “Being able to support children and teens with ASD in a positive and comfortable way is something that means a lot to me.”
Dental Clinic Front Desk Administrator Lisa Lacroix said the NC-Bethesda clinics draw several repeat clients year after year.
“This clinic is such a great opportunity to support families in our community who may otherwise face barriers to accessing dental care. It also gives our student hygienists valuable hands-on experience, helping them build confidence, compassion, and the skills needed to care for patients with diverse needs, including those with autism and other behavioural challenges,” said Lacroix. “It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of something that benefits both our students and the families we serve.”
The impact on local families is significant. Leanne Gill brought her nine-year-old son back to the clinic after a positive experience in 2025.
“After several unsuccessful attempts at our family dentist, I knew he still needed to have his teeth properly examined,” said Gill, about his first visit to the clinic. “I chose to sign up for the clinic because it provides a supportive environment where children can take their time and become comfortable at their own pace.”
Gill noted that the NC team made all the difference for her family.
“The students and staff were incredibly welcoming and patient, helping him feel at ease in a way we hadn’t experienced before. For the first time, he was able to open his mouth for a dental exam, have X-rays taken, and receive a fluoride treatment – far more than I had hoped for,” she said. “Hearing from a dental professional that his teeth are in good condition, and that we should continue what we’re doing at home, gave our family a great sense of relief. It was reassuring to know there are no current dental concerns.”
For information about the NC Dental Clinic visit niagaracollege.ca/alliedhealth/dental-clinic.
