Newly remodeled USI Dental Clinic has openings for new and returning patients

One of the best kept secrets at the University of Southern Indiana is the state-of-the-art Dental Clinic, where the community, faculty, and students can receive assessments, dental hygiene care and radiographs. This facility is newly remodeled and is currently accepting appointments for new and returning patients. Through April, appointment times are 8 a.m., 1 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

“All services are performed by students who are supervised and evaluated by faculty members,” says Emily Holt, Chair of the Dental Hygiene and Dental Assisting Programs. “This is an excellent learning environment for our students, and our clients love being part of their educational experience. We have several ‘regulars’ who have been coming to USI for years to get their teeth cleaned, and they often refer their friends to us. They love giving back to the students.”

Because it is part of the students’ clinical education, clients should plan on approximately 3.5 hours for each appointment, according to Holt. “We provide every patient a very thorough assessment. The appointment time is longer than at the dentist’s office. However, we estimate the cost savings at USI is about $175 per appointment, which means our clients are trading time for money,” she says. “Plus, some say it feels like the best cleaning they ever had because the students are so thoroughly evaluated.”

Clinic fees for dental hygiene treatment are $25 for children up to age 17; $35 for adults; and $30 for those 60 and older (includes radiographs and sealants, if needed). “We do not accept insurance, so our clinic is a good option for those patients who do not have dental coverage,” says Holt.

Since 2015, the USI Dental Clinic has provided free treatment to U.S. military veterans because often their insurance coverage does not include dental care. Initially offered around Veteran’s Day, this “give back to veterans” is now available all year long, says Holt. All veterans are asked to provide proof of military affiliation and photo identification to have costs waived.

The USI Dental Hygiene Program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association, a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council on Postsecondary Accreditation and by the United States Department of Education.