Free Dental Services Return at STCC Until End of March
SPRINGFIELD — Springfield Technical Community College’s (STCC) Dental Hygiene Clinic is accepting appointments for free, preventive treatment for children and adults through March 29.
The clinic, located on the STCC campus, under the supervision of licensed dentists and hygienists, educates and trains students to provide quality, comprehensive oral healthcare.
Students are enrolled in the Dental Hygiene and Dental Assistant programs at STCC. Upon graduation, they are hired at dental offices throughout the state.
STCC usually charges a nominal fee. However, at times during the past few years as a service to the community, the School of Health and Patient Simulation has decided to waive fees on certain treatments.
“We are excited to offer free treatment to the community,” said Christopher Scott, dean of the School of Health and Patient Simulation at STCC. “This helps our students get the hands-on training they need. It also gives people who might not be receiving any dental care access to important dental-hygiene diagnosis and treatment.”
The clinic is located in the Health Science Building (Building 20, Room 238) on the STCC campus. It is open Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and from 1 to 4 p.m. The clinic is closed on Wednesdays.
“The $35 fee is waived for prophylaxis (teeth cleaning), exams, and bitewing X-rays,” said Meg Loadholt, the Dental Hygiene program coordinator. “We also offer other treatments, including sealants, whitening trays, nightguards, and full-mouth X-rays at very nominal fees.”
Loadholt said the clinic serves a dual purpose: to educate and to provide treatment to community members who need more affordable options.
Seniors in the dental programs need to treat a certain number of patients to graduate. In addition to receiving supervision, they use state-of-the-art equipment.
Loadholt said the free clinic could be especially helpful for patients who have been denied by their insurance for a deep cleaning. “It’s a very costly procedure, but they can come here and have that procedure done for free.”
Free dental care for certain services ends March 29, but the public will have another opportunity on the sixth annual Community Dental Day. STCC, in partnership with the Valley District Dental Society, will provide complimentary dental care on Saturday, April 27 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
To schedule an appointment, call (413) 755-4900. For more information, including a full list of services offered at the clinic, visit stcc.edu/dental.