(PHOENIX, Ariz., Aug. 24, 2004) – The Phoenix College Dental Hygiene Clinic takes an active role in educating the community about the importance of good oral health as it opens its doors for the Fall semester. The clinic offers cleaning and X-rays for the nominal fee of $35 for adults and $25 for those under 18.

The clinic offers affordable client care in a professional setting while providing an educational experience for well-trained dental hygiene students. The students work under the direction of licensed dental professionals and perform many procedures including oral cancer exams and non-surgical gum treatment.

For the low-cost fee, the patient receives x-rays, oral hygiene home care instructions, a dental screening by the supervising dentist, a routine and deep cleaning, fluoride treatment, polishing and referrals, if needed, to outside specialists.

Only patients whose care is suitable for teaching purposes are accepted and because the clinic is a teaching facility, potential patients need to be prepared for more than one appointment (no additional fee). The number of appointments will depend on both the needs of the patient and the students. The number of appointments needed will be determined during the initial visit.

To ensure adequate oral health, the Phoenix College Dental Hygiene Program Director Linda Garcia, recommends routine brushing and flossing. She also encourages patients to eat a good diet that will help overall health as well as oral health.

“Having a professional periodontal cleaning regularly is a start,” said Garcia. “However, I cannot stress enough the importance of basic daily brushing and daily self care. Brushing at least two minutes at a time will thoroughly remove most plaque.”

Clinic sessions are from mid-August to mid-December (Fall semester) and from mid-January to mid-May (Spring Semester). For additional information regarding the Phoenix College Dental Hygiene Clinic, please call (602) 285-7323.

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