Texas Woman’s University’s dental hygiene clinic, located in Mary Gibbs Jones Hall, is an untapped resource for many students on campus and the greater Denton area. Situated on the third floor, the clinic offers free 30 minute screenings and various dental cleanings, from routine to deep, for discounted prices. Patients at the clinic will be seen by students in the program; a way to help them gain real-world experience to prepare for their future careers.
“Most people who have never worked in dentistry can’t fathom getting a patient in, doing x-rays, an exam, a cleaning, and being done in an hour,” said Dr. Charlene Dickinson, director of the dental hygiene program. “It’s until they get in it and immerse themselves that they [begin] to learn…if you graduate, you’re graduating very prepared.”
Currently boasting 61 students, the opportunities within the program are endless: students can apply for dental hygiene specific scholarships, learn from supportive faculty and gain practical experience in the program’s well-stocked simulation lab and highly realistic dental clinic. After completing the program, graduates can work as registered dental hygienists, dental sales representatives or in higher education.
“We have a very good reputation in the community. We graduate very well-rounded, very prepared dental hygiene students,” said Dr. Dickenson. “Dentists in the community want [our students]… they know that [our graduates] will be able to handle the workload and be professional and prepared.”
Valentin Miranda, chair of the dental program’s student marketing committee, has prior experience in the dental field, working as an assistant, before he entered into the program. He feels that his experiences have been totally different and he is enjoying learning what it means to truly be a provider and receiving helpful feedback from instructors.
“As an assistant I was working more for the doctor, and learning how to do this the way he liked, his way,” said Miranda. “Now, [in the dental hygiene program] I’m learning how to do things for myself; finding out how I like to treat my patient or… go about their care. It’s all about individualized care.”
During the fall, the clinic operates on Mondays and Wednesdays: 8:30–10:30 a.m. and 1:15–3:15 p.m. and during the spring on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays: 8:30–10:30 a.m. and 1:15–3:15 p.m., and Thursdays: 8:30–10:30 a.m.
“Anybody that comes here, whether it’s a student on campus or… someone out in the community, it will be the most thorough cleaning treatment that they will ever get,” says Dr. Dickenson. “Not only does the student see them, but you have faculty [with] years of experience that [check the student’s work on the patient] after.”
To schedule an appointment, call 940-898-2888; all screenings must have an appointment and walk-in’s are not accepted. Complete all necessary paperwork in advance of your appointment and either email them to DentalHygieneClinic@twu.edu or bring them to your appointment. For more information and to stay up-to-date on the program’s events, follow @twudental on Instagram.
Isabella Castillo can be contacted via email at icastillo4@twu.edu
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