ARDMORE, Okla. (KTEN) — SouthernTech's dental hygiene clinic has a new look and state-of-the-art equipment. 

Dental hygiene program coordinator Christy McCullers expects to have patients in the renovated clinic next week. 

"It has modernized us for sure," she said. "They have all kinds of equipment available; students are excited to have the opportunity to work with that." 

Construction started this summer thanks to a  grant from the Delta Dental of Oklahoma Foundation. 

“It's going on our 18th year of being here at SouthernTech, so our equipment was aged and breaking down quite a bit," McCullers said. "Luckily, we received a grant to furnish an entirely new clinic. All new medical grade cabinetry, chairs, lights, sterilization center, X-ray units, X-ray sensors... a $250,000 renovation with new flooring, everything... we gutted it.” 

Lainey Jestis, a dental hygiene student, looks forward to the enhanced care they can provide in the renovated space. 

'I'm most excited for the patients, because we've had patients who have come here for 10, 12 years and have seen what it was before," she said. "Now they get to see how nice and updated it is, and I'm just excited for them to get to experience it with us." 

Program staffers hope when the updated clinic's doors open, it will attract even more patients. 

"We only charge $30 for our cleanings, including all of your dental exam, X-ray, and fluoride treatment, so it's a good deal for the community as well," McCullers said. 

Planning for the renovation project started during the fall of last year. 

To schedule an appointment at the SouthernTech dental hygiene clinic, call 580-223-2070.