Dental hygiene students at CNC are in need of more patients.
An increase in enrollment this year means more spaces are available for adults who want to have their teeth cleaned by students. Now in its 25th year, the program can handle more than 500 clients a year, and has been popular in the past.
"We usually have a bit of a waiting list," said Monica Costley, CNC dental clinic patient services co-ordinator. "This year our class is a bit larger and we want to build up our patient base a little bit."
For a fee of $30, adults can get a free screening by a dentist and then a cleaning by a CNC student. The services can range from scaling to sealant, depending on what the dentist suggests.
"The dentist has to basically give a prescription of what the student is allowed to do on that patient," Costley said.
It will take at least three 1 1/2 hour appointments to complete the cleaning, but it could take longer depending on the situation - however the price doesn't change based on the number of appointments required. The 19 students hold clinic days in the morning on Mondays and in the afternoon on Wednesday and Thursday.
With the low cost, the program is great for people without dental coverage through a benefits plan. Costley said the program looks to get patients with all types of oral hygiene conditions.
"We like to see people who don't have the greatest mouths," she said. "You don't have to in good shape to come here. The students actually have some requirements for some more difficult patients, so people shouldn't be scared away if their mouths aren't in good shape."
Anyone who wants more information on becoming a client can contract Costley at 250-562-2131 ext. 5611.
