For people on a tight budget, routine dental care can often fall to the wayside.
One article published in the journal Frontiers Oral Health found that housing and income instability made it harder for people to access dental care. That makes sense, because a dental cleaning alone can cost anywhere from $75 to $200 without insurance, according to the healthcare company GoodRX.
But at a clinic in Lewiston, North Idaho College students are working with licensed providers to offer cleanings, exams, fluoride treatment and X-rays for just $35 per patient.
“For people who don't have insurance or they can't get into their office for a year, that kind of stuff, we're here and we can help,” said dental hygiene student Ashli Snyder.
The clinic accepts all ages, and works with patients to address oral health problems in a way that works with their life, Snyder said. Often, her work involves education.
“Kids go to their pediatrician's office and they're like, ‘Are you brushing their teeth? Yep? OK, great,’” she said. “And then people get into adulthood and they're like, ‘I knew I was supposed to floss, but I never knew why,’ or, ‘I knew that my gums bleed, but I didn't know that it was periodontal disease.’"
While the clinic offers education, Snyder said, there’s also no shame involved. Some patients, for instance, struggle with recommended oral hygiene because of mental health challenges. When that happens, students work with patients to find the best option they can stick with.
“Like, yeah, I'm not gonna get (every) person to brush twice a day and floss once. That's not their reality,” Snyder said. “We're gonna meet them where they're at and just help guide them toward the ideal.”
Student clinics are available through multiple college and university programs in Idaho and across the Northwest including North Idaho College, the College of Southern Idaho and Idaho State University. In Washington, programs include student clinics at Yakima Valley College, Pierce College and the University of Washington.
Those appointments do take longer than most because of their required supervision — so people going to them should plan to take a couple hours, Snyder said.
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