College offers affordable dental care

MATTOON, IL (WTHI) - The Lake Land College dental hygiene clinic has a new location and more room to offer affordable dental care to the public, while also providing students a state-of-the-art education.

The lab, now located in Northwest 116, offers patients an exam, cleaning, X-rays and fluoride treatments at $10 for students and $15 for adults. There are plenty of appointments available this fall.

"The students do an excellent job and get to work on their clinical hours. Patients get cost effective oral healthcare," said Deborah Kirts, dental hygiene instructor.

Kirts says the service takes longer than traditional exams, patients are asked to reserve four hours for the appointment. However, patients are receiving affordable dental care in exchange for their time. Kirts said the lab sees a lot of patients with no dental insurance.

In addition, because of the large work area in the lab, the clinic can work on large families at once. Kirts also said many patients just like to give back to the local community college.

Clinic hours begin Aug. 23 and are from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday and Tuesday.  Then there will also be hours on Thursdays and Wednesdays noon to 4 p.m. and Tuesdays 5 to 9 p.m. Hours may vary semester to semester. 

For further information and an appointment, call 234-5249 Monday through Thursday, between the hours of 1 and 5 p.m.