The LSC-Kingwood Dental Clinic offers reduced-cost dental services for patients aged 14-59 and free care to those aged 60 and older.
The national economic crisis is causing families to reevaluate their priorities.
Understandably, some may forgo medical care in favor of food, shelter, utilities, and other necessary items. However, Lone Star College-Kingwood can help them with their dental needs without breaking their bank. The dental hygiene program offers dental exams, x-rays, preventative dental cleanings, scaling and root planning (deep cleanings), oral cancer screenings, dental sealants, and fluoride treatments for a discounted price.
“We offer these services because many in our community do not have access to dental care. Offering care at a reduced price will go a long way toward improving their oral health,” said Joanna Allaire, LSC-Kingwood dental hygiene director.
During the 2021-2022 academic year, 29 dental hygiene students provided $387,000 of in-kind services to 250 patients. The figure, which is higher than the 2018-2019 year, is calculated based on “usual and customary” fees for services administered in the area. That number is subtracted by the amount of the payments received by patients.
“There are no requirements to receive dental care at our clinic. If a patient needs services beyond our scope of practice, we can refer them to low-cost clinics that offer fillings, extractions, and dentures,” Allaire said.
Operating a public dental clinic also benefits dental hygiene students who must complete certain clinical requirements established by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). Future hygienists learn how to assess and treat patients, provide the requested dental service, work with dentists, and much more.
The LSC-Kingwood Dental Clinic does not accept insurance. The cost for services is $25 for adults aged 14-59 and $20 for children. People aged 60 and older are free. To make an appointment, call 281-312-1721. For more information, visit https://www.lonestar.edu/dental-services.htm.
Register now for credit classes online through myLoneStar. Classes are offered days, evenings, and weekends in traditional, online, and hybrid formats. For more information or to register online, visit www.lonestar.edu/registration. For general information about Lone Star College-Kingwood, call 281.312.1600 or visit www.lonestar.edu/kingwood.
Lone Star College enrolls over 80,000 students each semester providing high-quality, low-cost academic transfer and career training education. LSC is training tomorrow’s workforce today and redefining the community college experience to support student success. Stephen C. Head, Ph.D., serves as chancellor of LSC, the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area and has been named a 2021 Great Colleges to Work For® institution by the Chronicle of Higher Education and ranked 35th in Texas in the Forbes ‘America’s Best Employers By State’ list. LSC consists of eight colleges, seven centers, eight Workforce Centers of Excellence and Lone Star Corporate College. To learn more, visit LoneStar.edu.
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