MCC dental hygiene students offer free dental screenings

MCC Dental Hygiene class of 2025
MCC Dental Hygiene class of 2025

MESA, Arizona -- Aug. 23, 2024 -- Mesa Community College (MCC) Dental Hygiene students are offering complimentary oral health screenings to eligible individuals on September 7, 2024 at the Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health (ASDOH), 5855 E. Still Circle in Mesa. Appointments are available at 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., and can be scheduled by calling 480-248-8195. Time slots are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

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

  • 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

These 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.

“Sometimes even individuals with dental insurance could experience an out-of-pocket expense ranging from $600 to $800,” said Dawn Brause, MCC Allied Health Clinical Coordinator. “Additionally, patients qualifying for therapeutic, deeper cleanings will incur discounted fees for service, but may be eligible for additional discounts depending on the Access to Care funds available.”

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

This 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, please contact the clinic at 480-248-8195.

For additional information about the MCC Dental Hygiene Program and the dental clinic, please visit mesacc.edu/dental.

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Contact: Dawn Zimmer, 480-461-7892, dawn.zimmer@mesacc.edu

Mesa Community College is nationally recognized for university transfer, career and technical programs, civic engagement, service-learning and innovative approaches to education. Host to more than 24,400 students annually, MCC offers degree and certificate programs at its two campuses and additional locations. On average MCC students provide 23,000 hours of community service annually. For more than 50 years, the college has served as a resource for education, workforce development and lifelong learning. MCC is transforming student success through Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services and a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. MCC is a Hispanic Serving Institution. Nearly 50% of MCC students are the first in their families to attend college. MCC has the largest indigenous student population of all the Maricopa Community Colleges. The American Indian Institute serves students from 22 federally recognized Arizona tribes and out-of-state tribes. Our diverse student body includes hundreds of international students from around the world. Award-winning faculty are dedicated to student success, providing the education and training that empowers MCC students to attain their goals. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, on the traditional territories of the O'odham, Piipaash and Yavapai Peoples, MCC is one of 10 colleges in the Maricopa County Community College District. Visit mesacc.edu to learn more.

MCC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), hlcommission.org.

The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District. MCCCD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.