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HGTC Receives New Equipment for Dental Sciences Program from Local Dentist

(Conway, SC) 11/29/2023

Dr. Mark McCoy of Dentistry at Carolina Forest presents HGTC with equipment for the Associate in Applied Science Degree in Dental Sciences.

Dr. Mark McCoy of Dentistry at Carolina Forest presents HGTC with equipment for the Associate in Applied Science Degree in Dental Sciences. Dr. Mark McCoy, Dentistry Practitioner at Dentistry at Carolina Forest, Kaitlin Downey, Dental Assistant at Dentistry at Carolina Forest, Michelle Meeker, HGTC Chair and Professor of Dental Sciences

Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) is thrilled to announce a significant contribution to its Dental Sciences Program, thanks to the generosity of Dr. Mark McCoy from Dentistry at Carolina Forest. Dr. McCoy donated a state-of-the-art Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramic (CEREC) Acquisition Center (AC) Omnicam Scanner valued at $7,000, providing HGTC students with access to cutting-edge technology enhancing their educational experience. 

The CEREC AC Omnicam Scanner, a revolutionary piece of equipment in the field of dentistry, enables students to gain hands-on scanning practice during lab sessions. This invaluable experience prepares them for off-site clinical rotations, where they will apply their skills in real-world scenarios. Dental assisting students will particularly benefit from the scanning technology, using it for restorative procedures, aligners, and removable appliances. Dental hygiene students will also leverage the equipment for patient education.

Guided scanning with the CEREC AC Omnicam allows dental practitioners to create digital impressions of the entire jaw quickly and precisely. This process incorporates advanced computer-assisted technologies such as 3D photography and Computer Aided Drafting (CAD)/Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM), facilitating the fabrication of ceramic dental restorations. Unlike traditional techniques that required multiple visits, CEREC AC Omnicam enables teeth restoration in a single visit for the dental patient, reducing treatment time and improving overall patient experience. 

Michelle Meeker, Chair and Professor of Dental Sciences at HGTC, expressed her excitement about the donation, stating, "The CEREC AC Omnicam equipment introduces our students to cutting-edge technology that continues to evolve in dentistry. The software associated with scanning technology is designed for easy learning, allowing impressions to be clearly delegated to a dental assistant. This donation is a game-changer for our dental program, providing students with another tool for success before entering the local workforce."

“The commitment of Dr. Mark McCoy to advancing dental education aligns perfectly with HGTC's mission to provide students with the best resources for a successful career in the industry. This generous donation not only enhances the learning experience for current students but also positions HGTC as a leader in dental education within the community,” said Dr. Marilyn Murphy Fore, HGTC President. 

For more information about the Associate in Applied Science Degree in Dental Sciences, contact Professor Michelle Meeker at michelle.meeker@hgtc.edu or 843-839-1091.