Mesa Community College (MCC) Dental Hygiene students are offering complimentary oral health screenings to eligible individuals on January 25, 2025 at the Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health (ASDOH), 5855 E. Still Circle in Mesa. Appointments are available at 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., and may be scheduled by calling 480-248-8195. Time slots are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Eligible candidates for the oral health screenings are those who have one or more of the following listed conditions below.

• Five or more years since last dental cleaning
• Diagnosed as needing deeper gum cleaning and have not started treatment
• Gums that bleed while brushing, eating or talking
• Gums that are tender and sore to the touch

These oral health screenings are not comprehensive exams, and treatment will not be provided during the event. Patients qualifying for therapeutic, deeper cleanings to treat advanced periodontal/gum disease infection will be treated during multiple evening visits scheduled after the event.

Current MCC students and employees may receive services at a discounted rate, with a high-end estimate of $360. In private dental practice, this treatment could cost a minimum of $1,000 without dental insurance.

“Sometimes even individuals with dental insurance could experience an out-of-pocket expense ranging from $600 to $800,” said Dawn Brause, MCC Allied Health Clinical Coordinator. “Additionally, patients qualifying for therapeutic, deeper cleanings will incur discounted fees for service, but may be eligible for additional discounts depending on the Access to Care funds available.”

Screening participants must agree to have a full set of x-rays taken. Patients may obtain a copy of their x-rays for $20. X-rays can be picked up during business hours at the ASDOH Dental Clinic.

The complimentary screening includes, but is not limited to:

• Thorough health history exam
• Blood pressure and glucose screenings
• Head/neck and oral soft/hard tissue evaluations
• Referrals for additional dental treatments

This event is beneficial for second-year MCC Dental Hygiene students, providing them with experience working with patients who have advanced gum disease, a required skill to pass the state exam allowing them to become licensed dental hygienists. Additionally, the event helps students connect with the community, improve their communication and practice compassion, as the program emphasizes treating the whole patient, by providing patients with holistic oral health care.

The MCC Dental Hygiene Clinic offers a full range of dental hygiene services during convenient evening hours at the ASDOH Clinic. To schedule an appointment outside of this screening event, please contact the clinic at 480-248-8195.

Visit mesacc.edu/dental for additional information about the MCC Dental Hygiene Program and the dental clinic.

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Media Contact:Dawn Zimmer, dawn.zimmer@mesacc.edu, 480-461-7892

Mesa Community College (MCC), which is celebrating its 60th anniversary during 2025, is nationally recognized for its excellence in university transfer, career and technical programs, civic engagement, and innovative education. Serving over 25,500 students annually, MCC offers a range of degree and certificate programs across its two campuses and additional locations. MCC students contribute more than 8,500 hours of community service annually. For nearly 60 years, MCC has been a key resource for education, workforce development, and lifelong learning. The college enhances student success through Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services and is dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion. A Hispanic Serving Institution, nearly 50% of MCC students are first-generation college attendees, and it boasts the largest indigenous student population among Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) colleges. The MCC American Indian Institute supports students from 22 Arizona tribes and additional out-of-state tribes. MCC's diverse student body includes hundreds of international students. Our award-winning faculty are committed to helping students achieve their goals through high-quality education and training. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, on the traditional lands of the O'odham, Piipaash, and Yavapai Peoples, MCC is one of 10 MCCCD colleges. Learn more at mesacc.edu.

MCC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), hlcommission.org.

The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District. MCCCD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.