By Annie Andrews, aandrews@nebraska.tv
With the increase of unemployment sweeping the nation, loss of benefits has become a growing problem. For many in the Tri-Cities, the first to go in fixed budgets is preventive care. But, Hastings Central Community College is hoping to fix that; giving smiles back to patients at a low cost.
Monday through Friday the clinic will be providing all the treatments many without insurance
forgo, from cleanings, to x-rays, fluoride and sealant treatments.
"Dental is a very expensive thing and a lot of people can't afford it so when you have a school like here in Hastings that can give back to the community at discounted prices," said Shelby Blum, a senior in CCC's dental hygiene program. It's a great thing, she said, and one that's becoming ever more in need.
"We see six patients a week, which is twice as much as some other schools," she said.
In just the past two years 9 million people across the United States, lost their health insurance, including people right here in the Tri-Cities.
"I drive a truck part time and it helps me in these economic times to come down here at a low cost and have some work done," said one patient.
"They don't pay for the labor just the materials and products you use," said Blum. That means, patients get a normally $200 procedure, at fraction of the cost without losing the quality of service.
"You still get the students work and you also get the professors, so it's a great cleaning checked over twice," she said. "It's great for us because we need a lot of practice."
It's a mutual aid service, helping the students and benefiting the community.
There are 15 students graduating this year, which means 15 hygienists in need of clientele. The clinic will be open through April 27.
For more information, contact the clinic at (402) 461-2471 or toll-free at 1-877-222-0780, ext. 2471.
