Farmingdale State College Announces Henry Schein Cares Sensory Unit

FARMINGDALE, NY — Farmingdale State College announced the Henry Schein Cares Sensory Unit, which will support provider training and care for patients with special needs.

A donation from Henry Schein Cares, Henry Schein, Inc.’s global corporate citizenship program, made the development possible, according to the college.

The latest addition to FSC's on-campus Dental Hygiene Care Center, the room will provide a sensory controlled environment with special features for patients with learning difficulties, developmental disabilities, or impairments.

"People with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), sensory processing disorders, or heightened
sensitivity can experience greater oral health care challenges, which are often associated with
heightened responses to sensory input," said Susan Vogell, EdD, RDH, chair of the Dental Hygiene
Department at Farmingdale State College, in a news release. "Traditional dental offices have bright lights and loud sounds which can be overwhelming and can cause the patient to experience anxiety and become uncooperative."

The Henry Schein Cares Sensory Unit will provide a sensory controlled environment to soothe
patients that may find the noise and activity of a traditional dental care facility challenging, making
them feel more comfortable and relaxed. It features communication software for patients who are
non-verbal, portable equipment, interactive custom light effects, visual mobile relaxation devices,
fiber optic curtains, and wall art. Noise canceling headphones, fidget toys, sunglasses, and
calming music are also available for patients to enhance their experience.

"The collaboration between Henry Schein Cares and Farmingdale State College is a testament to the
importance of community partnerships in advancing health care education and accessibility for all,"
said Kimberly Smith, national sales director, U.S. Dental Schools, Henry Schein. "For decades, we have worked to expand access to care for vulnerable and at-risk populations, and as part of this work, we strive to shine a light on the pressing needs of patients with disabilities. The opening of the Henry Schein Cares Sensory Unit represents a significant step forward in providing inclusive dental care and training for future dental professionals."

In addition to serving patients with special needs, the unit will provide FSC dental hygiene students the educational preparation to treat people with ASD as well as other sensory challenges.

"We are educating our students to become more knowledgeable and competent clinicians while at
the same time serving our community," Vogell said.

The Dental Hygiene Care Center at Farmingdale State College is a state-of-the-art facility to educate future hygienists and provide services to the public. The center treats approximately 1,500 patients annually and includes 35 dental units and a seven-room radiology suite, with treatment provided by students and supervised by registered dental hygienists and dentists employed by the State University of New York.

With 91 students and 36 faculty, FSC's Department of Dental Hygiene offers a two-year associate in applied science degree in dental hygiene, a four-year bachelor of science degree in dental hygiene, and a bachelor of science online completion program.

"With the generosity of Henry Schein Cares, we have been able create a space for caring and teaching that's unique to our region, where specialized health is accessible for so many that struggled to receive it," said Matthew Colson, vice president for development and alumni engagement at FSC. "We are grateful to Henry Schein Cares for making the world gentler for so many patients, one visit at a time."