August 16, 2013
† † †The fall semester is about to start at Northeast Texas Community College. This means that dental hygiene students will be back in the clinic providing low-cost services to the community as of August 27.
† † †A flat nominal fee of only $30 for adults and $15 for children, NTCC students, and NTCC employees is charged to receive dental hygiene services. These may include dental screenings, x-rays, teeth cleanings, fluoride applications, oral health education, and sealants. The fees help cover the cost of supplies.
† † †"It is very important that our students get experience in a real-world setting. Our clinic is set up like a dental office and we strive to provide patients with the same level of care and professionalism they would receive in a private practice," Debra Jo Johnson, Director of the NTCC Dental Hygiene Program, said.
† † †The NTCC Dental Hygiene program employs a supervising dentist, Dr. Kathy D. Russell, to oversee our patient care. All care is provided by dental hygiene students under the supervision of licensed Texas dental hygiene faculty. Patient care focuses upon excellence in dental hygiene education, practice, and achieving the highest standards of care set by the dental community.
† † †Because services are delivered by students in a learning environment, extra time is required. Appointments are scheduled in 3.5 hour increments. Those interested in receiving dental hygiene services at NTCC should make an appointment by calling 903-434-8350. Office hours may vary depending upon student schedules.
† † †"Offering services to the community is a win-win situation for us. People get the opportunity to take advantage of quality, low-cost dental hygiene care and our students gain valuable experience necessary for their training," Johnson said.
† † †To learn more about the NTCC dental hygiene program, including services offered, visit www.ntcc.edu/dentalhygiene.
