Next Edge Surgical Supporting SLCC Students with Dental Hygiene Kits

In the left corner is Jershon Braganza, followed by Kristen Hall, then Wendee Shorter, while Adil Lazar is standing in the right corner.

What if a single kit could help shape the future of dental care? At Next Edge Surgical, we believe it can. We’re on a mission to support student welfare, one surgical hygiene kit at a time. And we’re just getting started.

In this post, you’ll learn why our donations matter. You’ll see how our recent SLCC event unfolded. And you’ll discover how you can join our journey. Ready to feel inspired? Let’s dive in.

Next Edge Surgical Giving Back to the Community

At Next Edge Surgical, our purpose is simple, heartfelt, and close to who we are. We invest in the people who are shaping tomorrow’s healthcare, right from the start. We believe today’s dental hygiene students grow into the trusted professionals of the future. So we choose to show up for them early and often, not just once.

Our mission centers on student welfare, and that focus guides every single decision we make. It’s not a tagline we hang on a wall. It’s a promise we live out through real action in real communities. Through Next Edge Surgical community outreach, we connect directly with schools and their students. We give back in ways designed to create lasting impact that stretches far beyond a single donation day.

Inside the Kit: Our Professional Dental Instruments

So what actually goes inside these donated kits? We’re so glad you asked. Each kit is thoughtfully packed with professional-grade dental instruments that students rely on daily. These aren’t ordinary tools. They’re carefully selected pieces designed for real clinical training and precise patient care.

Every instrument carries a unique NES photo code for easy identification and tracking. Below, you’ll find each tool we included, along with a friendly note on what it does. Here’s a closer look at the essentials inside every kit:

• NES-009 | Gracey 1/2: An area-specific scaler for the anterior teeth, perfect for gentle, precise cleaning.
• NES-006 | Gracey 11/12: Designed for the mesial surfaces of posterior teeth, ideal for hard-to-reach areas.
• NES-010 | Gracey 13/14: Shaped for the distal surfaces of posterior teeth, ensuring thorough back-molar care.
• NES-011 | Gracey 15/16: A modified curette for mesial posterior surfaces, blending comfort with control.
• NES-012 | Gracey 17/18: Built for distal posterior surfaces, offering excellent access to tricky spots.
• NES-007 | Barnhart 5/6: A universal curette that removes calculus across many tooth surfaces with ease.
• NES-013 | H5/33: A sickle scaler great for tackling supragingival deposits on tight surfaces.
• NES-008 | Nevi-4: A posterior scaler designed to lift heavy buildup quickly and efficiently.
• NES-002 | EXD 11/12: A double-ended explorer used to detect caries and check tooth surface texture.
• NES-005 | UNC 12: A periodontal probe marked for measuring pocket depths with precision and accuracy.

Each of these tools helps students practice safely and confidently during clinical work. So what does that mean for a student? It means fewer worries about supplies and more focus on real learning! When students have reliable instruments in hand, they can concentrate on mastering technique and caring for patients.

Our Core Belief

We’re deeply passionate about student success, and it shows in everything we do. Every kit we donate reflects our genuine commitment to each student’s growth, comfort, and confidence. When a student opens one of our kits, we want them to feel supported and seen. And we’re not stopping here, either! We plan to expand our support to reach even more students very soon, because the need is real and the rewards are lasting. 

A Special Day at Salt Lake Community College

On September 21, 2026, something wonderful happened. We held a donation meeting at SLCC’s Jordan Campus. We gathered inside the High Technology Center to hand over surgical hygiene kits. The energy was truly inspiring.

The SLCC dental program shapes skilled, caring hygienists. We were honored to support their students directly. Handing over those dental hygiene kits felt personal. You could see the excitement and gratitude fill the room!

Celebrating With SLCC’s Dental Hygiene Team

We had the privilege of meeting two dedicated educators. Both play a vital role in student success.

Kristen Hall, RDH, BS, welcomed us warmly. She serves as 2nd-Year Coordinator and Assistant Professor. You’ll find her in Room 172B at the High Technology Center. Her guidance helps students thrive every single day!

Wendee Shorter also joined the celebration. As Clinic Supervisor, she keeps hands-on learning running smoothly. Her office sits in Room 135D on the Jordan Campus. Her dedication to students is truly remarkable!

Together, they help future hygienists gain real confidence. We’re grateful for their partnership and passion.

Capturing the Moment

The best part? We captured it all on camera! Photos from the donation event are available to share. These images tell a story of goodwill and growth. They show community outreach in action. We can’t wait to share these moments with you. They remind us exactly why this work matters so much!

The Ripple Effect of Giving

Small acts of kindness create surprisingly big waves. A single kit can boost a student’s confidence for an entire semester, or even longer. Think about it for a moment. When students feel genuinely supported, they show up ready to learn and perform better. And better-prepared hygienists ultimately mean healthier, happier communities for all of us!

Our dental hygiene student donations aren’t simply gifts handed over and forgotten. They’re thoughtful investments in stronger, safer, more compassionate patient care. Every student we support today will go on to help countless patients tomorrow. That ripple keeps spreading outward for years, touching lives we may never even meet.

Building Lasting Partnerships

We don’t view donations as one-time events that begin and end in a single afternoon. Instead, we see them as the exciting start of meaningful, long-term relationships. Working closely with the SLCC Dental Hygiene Program shows us what’s genuinely possible together. When schools and businesses join forces, they can lift students higher than either could alone.

We sincerely hope this partnership inspires other organizations to give back in their own way. Imagine the collective impact if more companies stepped forward to support local students! That’s the kind of future we’re excited to help build, one partnership at a time.

Common Questions About Our Outreach

Curious about how our giving works? Here are a few quick answers to common questions!

Who receives the kits? Dental hygiene students who need reliable, quality supplies for training.

Why focus on students? Because early support builds confident, skilled professionals for the future.

Will there be more events? Absolutely! We’re planning additional donations and outreach very soon.

How can others help? Keep reading. We’ll show you exactly how to get involved!

How You Can Get Involved

Feeling inspired to make a difference? You’re in the right place! There are many ways to help.

Here’s a quick checklist to join our mission:

• Spread the word about student welfare and community outreach programs.
• Partner with us to support future donation events at local schools.
• Follow our journey to see new stories, photos, and student impact.
• Reach out today to learn how your support can help students thrive.

Every action counts. Even sharing this story helps raise awareness for a great cause!

Join the Next Edge Surgical Movement

We started with one simple question: can a single kit shape a future? We firmly believe the answer is a joyful yes! Our work with the SLCC Dental Hygiene Program is only the beginning of something special. There’s so much more good ahead, and we’d love for you to be part of it.

Want to join something meaningful and lasting? Visit Next Edge Surgical to learn more today. Together, we can support students, strengthen communities, and build a healthier tomorrow for everyone. Let’s make it happen, side by side. Reach out now and join our mission of giving, because your support could change a student’s entire journey.