CANTON -- The American Dental Hygienists Association has awarded SUNY Canton's Dental Hygiene Program the 2015-2016 Wrigley Company Foundation Community Service grant allowing students to help promote dental health in the Rome area.

The $5,000 grant will fund the project "Seal a Smile," which will provide more than 200 children with preventive dental services, such as sealants and fluoride treatments. Pamela P. Quinn, curriculum coordinator of SUNY Canton's Dental Hygiene program said. "The children will also learn the basics of brushing, flossing and making healthy food choices. This project is important for the Rome community, which has a large population who have limited access to dental care."

Seal a Smile will benefit second-grade children in two Rome elementary schools. The project also helps students in the Dental Hygiene program better understand how to work with children and adds to their overall hands-on education.

Quinn added that the cost of sealants in private practice can cost families approximately $40 per tooth, so this free service can save families hundreds of dollars on dental care.

Two of the program's adjunct instructors are assisting with the project. Lindsay Argyle is the project manager, and Kasey Penoyer is working as a community health instructor.