STCC’s Community Dental Day Delivers Relief, Healthier Smiles

SPRINGFIELD — More than 100 people in need of dental care walked through the doors of Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) on May 3. The college’s seventh annual Community Dental Day offered free dental care to residents of Western Mass. who otherwise might not have been able to afford it.

Organized by STCC’s Dental Sciences Department in partnership with the Massachusetts Dental Society Foundation and the Valley District Dental Society, the event brought together volunteer dentists, dental assistants, and students to deliver critical dental services free of charge.

“This is a great program,” said Julie Henriques, clinical manager at McNally Brothers Oral Surgery, who volunteered alongside two oral surgeons and five assistants. “We perform extractions and help people who are in pain. We’ve done quite a few wisdom teeth today. We look forward to this day every year.”

For patient Megan Quillen, the day meant the difference between living in pain and finally getting relief. She recently sought treatment but declined when she was quoted thousands of dollars for the work.

“I’m here for a wisdom tooth extraction,” Quillen said. “I don’t have insurance. When I heard about this, I was like, ‘yeah, I’ll totally do it.’ I’m really excited.”

Another patient, Genesis Velasquez, learned about Community Dental Day during a visit to STCC’s dental hygiene clinic in March for a cleaning.

“The girl who did my cleaning told me to come back for today’s event,” she said. “I have insurance, but dental work is still expensive. This is awesome.”

While licensed professionals handled fillings and complex procedures like wisdom tooth removal, students from STCC’s dental assisting and hygiene programs were on hand to support the procedures and gain valuable real-world experience.

“Basically, we help with setup and breakdown and assist the dentists,” said Szymon Tylec, a dental hygiene student who is graduating this month. “It really helps people out, especially those without insurance, and it gives us a glimpse into how real-world dentistry works.”

Cherry Torres, another graduating dental hygiene student, added, “it’s a good experience, not only for us, but the patients are getting something good out of it. We’re helping to fill in those gaps in dental care that people might otherwise miss.”

Dr. Michael Nardi, an event organizer with Valley District Dental Society volunteer dentists, emphasized the importance of the day, not only for patients, but also for the community of professionals and students who come together to make it happen.

“Today, STCC’s dental science program and the Valley District Dental Society partnered to serve our public health patients who need care,” he said. “We had about 12 to 15 doctors in the morning and another dozen or so in the afternoon, plus numerous assistants and hygiene students. There’s a huge need for dental care in Western Mass., and it’s important for us to provide this service.”

The Valley District Dental Society generously supports scholarships at STCC and provides dental kits.

“Community Dental Day is a perfect example of what STCC is all about: students, faculty, and local professionals working together to meet real needs in our community,” said Christopher Scott, dean of the School of Health and Patient Simulation at STCC. “We are proud to offer our facilities and our talent to make a difference in people’s lives, while giving our students the chance to learn in a meaningful and hands-on way.”

Services provided during Community Dental Day included patient education, health screenings, diagnosis, X-rays, and limited treatments such as fillings, extractions, sealants, and assessments of urgent issues, all performed at no cost to the patient.