Free dental services return at STCC until end of March
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Springfield Technical Community College’s Dental Hygiene Clinic once again is accepting appointments for free preventative treatment for children and adults through March 29, 2024.
The clinic, located on the STCC campus, under the supervision of licensed dentists and hygienists, educates and trains students to provide quality comprehensive oral health care.
Students are enrolled in the Dental Hygiene and Dental Assistant programs at STCC. Upon graduation, they are hired at dental offices throughout the state.
A Dental Hygiene student works with a patient at STCC.
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 in the Health Science Building (Building 20, Room 238) on the STCC campus. It is open Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.-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 especially be 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,” she said.
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.
About Springfield Technical Community College
STCC, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequaled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu