SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Springfield Technical Community College’s Dental Hygiene Clinic will offer free preventative treatment for children and adults in February and March.
The clinic on the campus of STCC usually charges a nominal fee for services, but the college decided to waive fees for two months to help the community, many of whom are facing financial hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The clinic, which is open Monday through Friday, is now accepting appointments starting at 8 a.m. The clinic closes at 4 p.m.
“The service at the clinic includes scaling and prophylaxis (teeth cleaning), any needed X-rays, fluoride treatments, as well as dental sealants for children which can run from $30 to $60 per tooth in the outside sector,” said Meg Loadholt, the Dental Hygiene program coordinator.
The clinic in Building 20, Room 238, offers comprehensive oral health care provided by STCC dental hygiene students under the direction of licensed dental hygienists and dentists.
“The STCC Department of Dental Hygiene continues to prove its long standing value as the region’s premier training center for dental team members in dental offices near and far,” said Martin Wohl, DDS, chair of the Valley District Dental Society. “Providing their terrific expertise, especially in the face of all our pandemic trials, highlights the responsibility the program and its students feel toward their stressed communities. I hope community members take full advantage of such a valuable resource for as long as it can be available. In addition, the training of every student will be greatly enhanced.”
The clinic adheres to strict safety guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic. The college has temporarily suspended any aerosol generating procedures (namely, ultrasonic scalers and polishing teeth) from treatment options. In certain cases, under direction of a faculty member, such treatment might be allowed using devices that eliminate 93 percent of aerosols.
The college has limited the number of people who can gather in the clinic and labs to allow for social distancing.
Both students and faculty wear masks and face shields. All dental hygiene students, faculty and staff are scheduling appointments to be vaccinated.
Anyone who enters Building 20, where the clinic is located, must complete an attestation form and answer questions about any recent travel outside of Massachusetts and if they have experienced any symptoms related to COVID-19 or have been exposed to anyone experiencing symptoms. Staff also will check temperatures of people entering the building.
To schedule an appointment, call (413) 755-4900. For more information, 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 unequalled 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.
