SUNY Orange Students Win State Research Prize, Influence Fluoride Debate
Two SUNY Orange students won first place at the New York Dental Hygienists Association Empire Conference for research on evidence based alternatives to fluoride use, beating teams from larger institutions. The result elevates a local college program, and could shape how Orange County health officials and school leaders evaluate oral health policies.
On December 3, 2025, SUNY Orange second year dental hygiene students Molly Lewis and Angel Mejia captured first place at the New York Dental Hygienists Association Empire Conference for a research presentation on evidence based alternatives to fluoride use. Their presentation outperformed entries from larger institutions including New York University and Plaza College, drawing attention to both the substance of their work and the college program that supported it.
The win places SUNY Orange in a visible position within statewide conversations about oral health practice and prevention. The topic of their research touches on policy areas that affect local public health, including municipal water treatment, school based dental programs, and clinical recommendations from county health departments. As communities reassess preventive strategies, new research from dental hygiene students can prompt professional review and administrative consideration of existing protocols.
Niccole Card, department chair of SUNY Orange’s dental hygiene program, framed the victory as evidence of emerging leadership. "To see second-year students not only compete but excel at the state level speaks volumes about their dedication and commitment to the profession," Card said. "This is exactly the kind of professional leadership our field needs."
Institutionally, the award underscores SUNY Orange’s role as a training ground for allied health professionals and may bolster recruitment, program funding opportunities, and partnerships with local clinics. For Orange County, the students’ work provides a locally produced piece of evidence that health officials and school administrators can review alongside peer reviewed literature and guidance from state and federal agencies.
Policy decisions about fluoridation and alternative preventive measures are typically made by health departments and school boards, bodies accountable to voters and community stakeholders. The students’ research will likely factor into continuing professional education and local discussions about how best to allocate resources for oral health education and prevention.
The achievement also highlights pathways for civic engagement, from attending public health meetings to monitoring school health policies. As the year closes, the SUNY Orange program can point to a tangible example of student scholarship influencing community health debates, with implications for practice, policy, and workforce development in Orange County.
