Del Mar College’s Dental Hygiene program has been a vital resource in training dental healthcare professionals throughout the Coastal Bend region for over half a century. This fall, the program is again opening its doors to the community by offering free clinical services. These services provide an excellent opportunity for community members to receive dental care while allowing students to gain hands-on experience under professional supervision.
Comprehensive Services at No Cost
The Del Mar College Dental Hygiene program offers many free dental services. These include:
- Blood pressure screenings
- Conservative periodontal therapy
- Dental hygiene education and therapy
- Dental preliminary assessments
- Dental sealants
- Fluoride treatments
- Intra-oral examinations
- Medical history reviews
- Oral cancer screenings
- Periodontal assessments
- Radiographs (x-rays)
- Selective polishing
The no-cost services are open to everyone, regardless of income level. Before receiving treatment, patients must undergo an initial screening to assess their dental needs and determine the appropriate student for their care. The services are available until mid-December; patients may require multiple visits to complete their care.
A Win-Win for Students and the Community
Josie Wilson, an instructor and 1997 program graduate, emphasized the importance of hands-on learning for students. “Our Dental Hygiene program offers no-cost dental services to our community while providing our students with hands-on training to prepare them for their dental profession,” Wilson said. She added that clinical experience is essential in building confidence and competence in students as they prepare for their future careers.
Ana Chavez, a second-year student in the program, echoed these sentiments. “I love being a part of this program, and I am very prepared. I am a hands-on learner, which has given me a great step forward toward my career. Once I begin my career, it will be a piece of cake,” she said.
Chavez highlighted the importance of preventive care, noting that early interventions, such as the services provided by the clinic, are more effective and cost-efficient than later addressing dental issues. “Prevention is always the first step. It’s better than actually having to go through something. It’s more cost-effective, so I think our program helps by preventing what could happen,” she said, empowering the community with this cost-effective healthcare information.
Welcoming Atmosphere and Community Support
Many patients, such as Stephanie Higdon, have praised the program for its welcoming atmosphere and the professionalism of both students and faculty. Higdon has utilized the clinic’s services and even brought her son for a check-up. “I think it’s an excellent program and opportunity for those people that are uninsured or don’t have the means to pay for a cleaning or just don’t know where to start or have any education on dental hygiene,” she said, highlighting the comfortable and welcoming environment of the clinic.
Although Higdon has dental insurance, she encourages others to use the free services. “I highly recommend that the community come out and support the students and educate themselves on the importance of dental hygiene,” she added, emphasizing the crucial role of community support in the program’s success.
How to Access Services
This fall semester, 22 second-year students are providing dental care under the supervision of faculty members. These free services are available until mid-December. To schedule an appointment or learn more, contact the DMC Dental Clinic at 361-698-2854 or email dentalclinic@delmar.edu.