FORT PIERCE—The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends regular dental cleanings every six months, and recommends X-rays once a year. In addition to preventing cavities, regular cleanings and exams can prevent gum diseases and other serious ailments.
But for those without insurance, maintaining dental health can be an expensive proposition, especially for students, veterans and the elderly. The average cost of a cleaning is around $125 and a full set of X-rays can cost more than $400.
Dental students in Indian River State College’s (IRSC) Dental Hygiene program are here to help. Supervised by a licensed dentist and IRSC faculty members, the students offer regular cleanings, X-rays and fluoride treatments in the Mary L. Fields Health Science Center at the Massey Campus in Fort Pierce. The cost for adults is just $50, including X-Rays; and $25 for IRSC students and children ages 2-17.
“Some of our patients have been treated here at the IRSC Dental Hygiene Clinic for more than 20 years,” said Mary Pelletier, CRDH, MDH, Chair of IRSC’s Dental Hygiene Department. “The time and quality of dental care that you will receive is truly amazing! Come and be a patient.”
The IRSC Dental Clinic offers these services by appointment 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from January 9 to April 27; 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Tuesdays from May 10 to June 21; and 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Tuesdays and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Wednesdays from August 21 through December 5.
Appointments last around three hours, on average, depending on the patient, and it may take more than one session to complete the exam, cleaning and X-rays as students may require extra time and supervision from faculty while learning and perfecting their skills.
For more information, contact the IRSC Dental Clinic weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 772-462-7524 or by email at dentalclinic@irsc.edu. The Clinic is located on the Massey Campus, 3209 Virginia Ave., Fort Pierce, in Building H, Room 222.