South Bend colleges offer low-cost dental clinics

SOUTH BEND — Janeen Twohey opens her mouth wide as Courtney Henry probes a back molar with a dental instrument. Henry, a dental hygiene student at Ivy Tech Community College, then applies a disclosing gel in the patient’s mouth. In a minute or so, the colored gel reveals where plaque is found on Twohey’s teeth. "You are 72 percent plaque-free," Henry announces. "Our goal is 85 percent." In tough economic times, dental care often is one of the necessities that families do without. A dental clinic opened about 18 months ago inside a south wing at Ivy Tech’s South Bend campus. The clinic provides low-cost dental care to the general public. Fees range from $2 to $30 per service, with some services provided free. The 10-chair clinic with state-of-the art equipment treats patients of all ages and income levels. For Twohey, a Mishawaka resident, it’s her first time at the Ivy Tech clinic. Twohey explains that she finds the clinic convenient and affordable. She hadn’t been to a dentist’s office in a year and a half. "I’m on disability. I lost my insurance," she said. Patients receive the services from students working toward their associate’s degrees in dental hygiene, under the supervision of faculty and licensed dentists. Because the hygienists are learning as they work, appointments typically take longer than at a dentist’s office — sometimes several hours. Patients don’t seem to mind. And they often find themselves learning more about their teeth and their overall health, said Barbara MacMillan, chair of the college’s dental hygiene program. As the patient listens, Henry gives instructor Tracy D’Angelo a verbal description of Twohey’s oral health. A nearby computer screen provides images of each tooth. Dr. Robert Sriver, a licensed longtime dentist, is in the room if a consultation is needed. Nearby, student Holly Schmucker projects on a screen X-rays she has taken of a patient’s mouth. She carefully labels areas in the images as part of an anatomy assignment. If fillings or more extensive dental services are required, the clinic makes referrals to professionals in the community. Ivy Tech in May will graduate its first class of dental hygiene students — 13 students. About 14 others are enrolled in the first-year class. Indiana University South Bend also offers a public dental clinic, a service the campus has provided for more than 25 years. IUSB students studying for associate’s and bachelor’s degrees in dental hygiene work in the clinic under the supervision of faculty and professionals. During tough economic times, many families don’t have dental insurance and see their dental care slip, said Judith Schafer, director of IUSB’s dental education program. "There is a big need," she said. IUSB plans to create a new dental clinic on campus in the former Associates Building, which is slated to be renovated into an Education & Arts Building. Staff writer Margaret Fosmoe: mfosmoe@sbtinfo.com (574) 235-6329