A vibrant display of purple lights filled San Francisco’s Civic Center on the evening of Tuesday, October 18, marking a high-profile visual celebration of National Dental Hygiene Month.

With San Francisco City Hall lit up in purple, several of the Dugoni School’s dental hygiene students and faculty joined other members of the San Francisco Dental Hygiene Society (SFDHS), a component of the California Dental Hygienists’ Association, on the plaza in front.

Michael Long, BSDH, RDHAP, a part-time faculty member in the school’s Dental Hygiene program, reached out to San Francisco City Hall to request the light display.

Long explained, “The color purple is synonymous with dental hygiene and has been the official color of dental professionals since 1897. It is said to signify compassion, purpose and inspiration. This lighting of City Hall during National Dental Hygiene Month has been seen all over the State of California and beyond. Greetings and well wishes have been coming in from near and far — it’s truly inspirational.”

“It was an absolute honor to be recognized by the City and County of San Francisco as they lit City Hall in purple,” added Long. “I saw pride on the faces of all who attended. Dugoni School’s dental hygiene students were beaming with enthusiasm and jumping for joy. A new tradition in San Francisco has begun!”

Garren Llorens, DH ’23, remarked, “It was an incredible opportunity to be a part of! Visiting City Hall and viewing the lights in recognition of our future career was not only breathtaking, but monumental for the profession. Hopefully this will ignite the spark for dental hygienists to receive the recognition that has been long overdue!”

Dental Hygiene students have been active in other public activities in recent months. Students from the Class of 2023 helped provide dental screenings and fluoride treatments to children during a MagicToothBus pop-up event serving families in San Francisco’s Bayview neighborhood in September.

At the California Dental Association’s CDA Presents conference in September, dental hygiene students joined San Francisco Dental Hygiene Society volunteers at the CDHA booth. The students discussed the profession with CDHA members and enjoyed networking with other hygienists and students who were also attending the conference.

Dental hygiene students also provide ongoing care to the public at the Dugoni School’s Dental Hygiene clinic in San Francisco. Services include dental and general health screenings, preventative care (teeth cleanings), X-rays, sealants, fluoride treatments and blood pressure screenings. The clinic offers a no-charge oral health assessment at the first appointment. To make an appointment at the Dental Hygiene clinic, call 415.929.6408 or learn more on the clinic website.