Free dental screenings offered by MCC dental hygiene students

Mesa Community College dental hygiene students are offering complimentary oral health screenings to eligible individuals on Saturday, Jan. 31, at the Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health, 5855 E. Still Circle in Mesa.

Appointments are available at 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., and may be scheduled by calling 480-248-8195. Time slots are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, according to a release.

Eligible candidates for the oral health screenings are those who have one or more of the following conditions:

• Five or more years since last dental cleaning
• Diagnosed as needing deeper gum cleaning and have not started treatment
• Gums that bleed while brushing, eating or talking
• Gums that are tender and sore to the touch

The oral health screenings are not comprehensive exams and treatment will not be provided during the event. Patients qualifying for therapeutic, deeper cleanings to treat advanced periodontal/gum disease infection will be treated during multiple evening visits scheduled after the event.

Current MCC students and employees may receive services at a discounted rate, with a high-end estimate of $360. In private dental practice, this treatment could cost a minimum of $1,000 without dental insurance, the release states.

“Even with dental insurance, some patients may face out-of-pocket costs ranging from $800-$1,500,” Dawn Brause, MCC dental hygiene second year clinical coordinator, said in the release. “Patients who require therapeutic deep cleanings receive services at reduced rates and may qualify for additional financial assistance depending on the availability of ‘Access to Care’ funds.”

Screening participants must agree to have a full set of x-rays taken. Patients may obtain a copy of their x-rays for $20. X-rays can be picked up during business hours at the ASDOH Dental Clinic.

The complimentary screening includes, but is not limited to:

• Thorough health history exam
• Blood pressure and glucose screenings
• Head/neck and oral soft/hard tissue evaluations
• Referrals for additional dental treatments

The event is beneficial for second-year MCC dental hygiene students, providing them with experience working with patients who have advanced gum disease, a required skill to pass the state exam allowing them to become licensed dental hygienists. Additionally, the event helps students connect with the community, improve their communication and practice compassion, as the program emphasizes treating the whole patient, by providing patients with holistic oral health care.

The MCC Dental Hygiene Clinic offers a full range of dental hygiene services during convenient evening hours at the ASDOH Clinic. To schedule an appointment outside of this screening event, call the clinic at 480-248-8195.

Visit https://www.mesacc.edu/departments/allied-health/dental-hygiene for additional information about the MCC Dental Hygiene Program and the dental clinic.