(WJAR) — A dental clinic at the Community College of Rhode Island is offering free dental hygiene care.
“There is a critical shortage in the state of Rhode Island of all dental professions, especially dental hygienists,” said Janice Schmitz, program director at the CCRI Dental Hygiene Clinic.
This clinic serves about 1,500 patients a year at no cost.
“It’s good for the students and good for the patients,” said Brien Rylander, a patient at the clinic.
It fills a much-needed void.
“I tried to make my last dental appointment at a regular dentist and it was six months out so I remembered CCRI,” said Rylander.
This, from a visit a few years earlier.
For Cam Evans, this is his second visit.
“Honestly it’s great. I would even say to some extent it’s a level beyond because they do a lot more thorough exam here,” said Evans.
“Dental hygienists provide preventive care so they do dental cleanings,” explained Schmitz.
And dental x-rays when needed.
“We’re not just cleaning, we’re analyzing you know, we’re making sure everyone’s safe, like everyone looks healthy,” said Madeline Azulay, a senior in the program.
“They actually get the most amazing care here,” added Dr. Aldora Hepel, a dentist in the program.
Two hours is allotted for each visit. Dentists oversee the students’ work and referrals are made, if necessary.
“And we expect a lot of them and we expect compassion too. It’s not just the technical side of it but they have to know how to treat patients as people and inspire them so they want to have a greater quality of life,” said Hepel.
Appointments are still available for this fall semester.
The number to call is 401-333-7250.
