published: Friday, January 18, 2013

SFSC Dental Hygiene Clinic open to county residents

Special to the News-Sun

AVON PARK - As part of its Dental Hygienist student training, South Florida State College's Dental Hygiene program will offer teeth cleaning, X-rays, and sealants to the public.

"The clinics give the students a variety of patients to treat, building a broader base for practicing in the future," said Dr. Deborah Milliken, SFSC dental education professor. "The student performs the procedure, then the instructor checks the work. The patient isn't completed until the job is perfect."

Services offered during the clinics are adult teeth cleaning for $20-40, children living in Highlands County qualify for services at no cost to the parent.

The clinics are held at the Dental Education Building (the sixth entrance on the right along College Drive from Highway 27), SFSC Highlands Campus. The clinic is open January through April, 9 a.m. to noon and 1-4 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

Adults should plan to make an initial appointment for a 30-minute screening. They will fill out a medical and dental history form and have vital signs taken (blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and respiration). The patient is assigned to a particular student, who will call to schedule a second appointment. Children are seen immediately.

To make an appointment, call 784-7020.