LCCC Great Grads
Kimberly Beegan
Faculty's Reputation Made it an Easy Decision to Attend LCCC
“The faculty has a great reputation. . . I had to come to LCCC,” said Kimberly Beegan. On May 23, Beegan will receive an associate of applied science degree in dental hygiene. Her goal is to become a dental hygienist in the Northeast Ohio region. “LCCC offered an excellent program,” the North Olmsted resident said.
Dental hygienists clean teeth and provide other preventive dental care, as well as teach patients how to practice good oral hygiene. Hygienists examine patients’ teeth and gums, recording the presence of diseases or abnormalities. They remove calculus, stains, and plaque from teeth; take and develop dental X-rays; and apply cavity preventive agents such as fluoride and sealants.
“The program,” added Sue Leiken, director, dental hygiene program “is serious about graduating students with knowledge necessary to make independent decisions and with the skills required to be a professional health care provider.”
According to Beegan, the LCCC instructors were open to sharing and applying their work experiences in the clinical learning process. “It’s one thing to talk about a technique to students and it’s another to combine your expertise and textbook knowledge,” claimed Beegan. “My educational experience here at LCCC was rich.”
Earning a bachelor of arts in psychology at Hiram College and a master of science in mental health counseling, Beegan spent nine years in the community mental health field and then decided to become a stay at home mom. When Beegan made the decision to change careers and reenter the workforce, she wanted a profession that included working with her hands and helping people.
“LCCC has given me the opportunity to change career goals in midlife while keeping my family the primary focus,” Beegan said.
Entering the dental hygiene field does not mean Beegan has left counseling. She prides herself on maintaining a counseling license and believes it will come in handy when working on her patient’s teeth.