It may be a little too early for “spring cleaning.” However, it’s never too early to have your teeth cleaned! Or maybe you need X-rays taken and a review of your dental history.
This spring semester, the Del Mar College (DMC) Dental Hygiene and Dental Assisting Programs are offering services at “no cost” as part of students’ clinical training while they provide Coastal Bend residents a healthier smile and wallet.
The Dental Hygiene and Dental Assisting clinics combined provide a variety of services, including medical history reviews, blood pressure screenings, intra-oral examinations, dental preliminary assessments, periodontal assessments, dental hygiene education, oral cancer screenings, radiographs (X-rays), fluoride treatments (as needed), selective polishing, conservative periodontal therapy, dental hygiene therapy and dental sealants.
Services are underway and run through early May. However, now is the time to sign up due to an extended commitment from patients for some services that are student-provided by the Dental Hygiene Clinic.
“These clinics give both our Dental Hygiene and Dental Assisting students crucial hands-on experience as they prepare for professional careers in this employment sector,” said Eva Sepulveda, Director of DMC Dental Programs. “They’re also gaining a sense of ‘community service’ with the college offering these services at ‘no cost’ to anyone accessing the clinics, specifically those who may not have the resources to pursue dental care otherwise.”
The Dental Assisting Clinic is held every Thursday 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. The Dental Hygiene Clinic is scheduled Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. and only 9 a.m. to noon on Fridays. Clinics will not be held the week of Del Mar College’s Spring Break (March 9-14).
The Dental Hygiene Clinic gives students the training and required hours needed to complete the program. Students performing procedures are under the supervision of program faculty, and patients’ care usually requires more than one visit.
Patient selection is based on the educational and clinical requirements of students. DMC faculty will determine acceptance of patients after a “qualifying appointment.”
For full details about patient selection, appointments and other pertinent information, visit the clinic web page at delmar.edu/offices/dental-clinic/index.html.
The Dental Programs Clinic is in Room 125 of Health Sciences Building 1 on Del Mar College’s Windward Campus at 4101 Old Brownsville Road (78405). Access directions and the online campus map.
To schedule a “qualifying appointment,” call 361-698-2854 or email dentalclinic@delmar.edu.