What services does the TWU Dental Hygiene Clinic offer to patients?
The TWU Dental Hygiene Clinic operates as a hands-on training facility where dental hygiene students provide services under the close supervision of licensed professionals, which allows them to gain practical experience while offering care to the community.
Services offered include routine teeth cleanings, deep cleanings, limited dental exams, X-rays, fluoride treatments, and oral cancer screenings, ensuring a comprehensive approach to dental health.
Fluoride treatments and dental sealants are commonly used to enhance dental health and prevent cavities.
Fluoride helps to remineralize enamel while sealants act as a protective barrier against decay in the grooves of teeth.
The clinic has arranged its pricing structure to be affordable, with routine cleanings costing between $40 to $50 and deep cleanings ranging from $70 to $90, making dental hygiene services accessible to a wider community.
The students at TWU Dental Hygiene Clinic are in training, which may mean that services could take longer compared to a private dental office.
This extended time provides students with valuable learning experiences while ensuring thorough care.
Oral cancer screenings are an integral part of the clinic’s services and can lead to earlier detection of potential health issues, which significantly impacts treatment outcomes for patients.
The clinic accepts patients of various age groups, including adolescents, adults, and geriatric patients, while children are seen on select days, accommodating a broad demographic.
The clinic also places an emphasis on oral disease prevention education, allowing patients to better understand their dental health and the measures they can take to prevent issues.
The TWU Dental Hygiene Clinic has specific times for free screenings, which provides an opportunity for new patients to experience the clinic's services without financial commitment, typically lasting around 30 minutes.
X-rays are available at the clinic for a cost of around $30.
This diagnostic tool is critical for identifying issues not visible during a visual exam, such as cavities between teeth and bone loss.
Clinically, the use of instrumentation during cleanings is guided by proven techniques in periodontal therapy, which is essential for maintaining gum health and preventing periodontal disease.
The clinic's location is significant, situated in Denton, Texas, and they follow nondiscrimination regulations, ensuring that their services are available to all members of the community irrespective of background.
The process of tooth whitening performed at the clinic utilizes peroxide-based gels that penetrate the tooth enamel to break down stains, a fairly common cosmetic procedure.
The demand for dental hygienists is expected to grow, driven by an increased emphasis on preventive care and the aging population that often requires dental hygiene services, reinforcing the importance of training facilities like TWU.
Students at the clinic are educated on the latest technological advancements in dental hygiene, including digital X-ray systems, which reduce radiation exposure and improve diagnostic accuracy.
The clinic's operational model supports not just the educational aspect but also community service, fostering a relationship between students and the public, enhancing both professional development and community health.
The clinic's supervision by experienced dental hygienists ensures that students adhere to rigorous health and safety standards, which is vital in preventing cross-contamination and ensuring patient safety.
An integral part of the learning environment includes the utilization of evidence-based practices in dental hygiene, ensuring that students understand and implement the most effective and current methods of care and treatment.
The clinic’s role as a teaching facility allows for a unique patient-provider interaction where patients can observe and learn about the care they are receiving, increasing health literacy in the community.