Bill Firstenberg addresses the class of 2012 with his wife, Jean.

At its commencement ceremonies last night, Clark College announced that it has received the third largest single gift in its history. The Firstenburg Foundation has donated $1.5 million for the college’s Dental Hygiene program that will add patient chairs to its training clinic, renovate existing spaces for a digital radiography suite and lab, and add paperless charting software. The Firstenburg gift allows Clark to increase the number of patient chairs in its teaching clinic by six, providing more opportunities for student enrollment. With the addition of paperless charting technology and an advanced radiology suite, students will be workforce-ready upon graduation. In addition, the expansion will allow for compliance with federal patient privacy and confidentially requirements.

Clark’s Dental Hygiene Clinic provides education and access to oral health care to residents who otherwise would not have regular care. The clinic fills 3,200 appointments for 2,000 patients annually. Clark’s students serve the community by participating in oral health programs in area schools and caring for patients at the Free Clinic of Southwest Washington, Clark County Skills Center, and Share. Students and instructors also team up with the Clark County Dental Society each year for Children’s Dental Health Day to provide hundreds of children with free care.