The Dental Hygiene Clinic-Penn is an integral part of the Pennsylvania College of Technology's (Penn College) School of Nursing & Health Sciences, specifically its accredited Dental Hygiene program. Located at 1 College Ave, Williamsport, PA, this clinic serves as a practical learning environment for dental hygiene students while providing valuable, affordable preventative
dental care to the surrounding community.
The clinic operates during the school year, typically from September through April, with sessions scheduled Monday through Friday at various times. Services are performed by dental hygiene students who have received extensive training and must demonstrate competency in clinical skills before treating patients. All procedures are meticulously supervised by licensed dental hygienists and dentists, ensuring a high standard of care.
Services offered at the Dental Hygiene Clinic-Penn are primarily preventive. These include adult, student, senior citizen, and child prophylaxis (scaling, polishing, and fluoride treatments), comprehensive dental exams, necessary X-rays (full mouth, panoramic, bite wings, periapical, occlusal), oral cancer screenings, periodontal (gum) assessments, and non-surgical periodontal treatment (deep
cleaning). They also offer sealants and
oral health education, including nutritional counseling and blood pressure screenings. It is important to note that the clinic's services do not replace regular or extensive dental care from a primary dentist, and they generally do not perform extractions,
fillings,
crowns, or restorative work.
One of the key benefits of the clinic is its affordability, making quality dental care accessible to a wider population. For instance, adult prophylaxis costs are significantly lower than private practices, with special rates for Penn College students, senior citizens, and children. Payments are typically accepted via cash or check.
Patients visiting the clinic can expect a thorough and comprehensive experience. Due to the educational nature of the clinic and the close supervision of faculty, appointments may take longer than in a private practice, often ranging from two to four hours. Patients may also require multiple visits to complete their treatment. This extended time allows for detailed instruction and evaluation, ensuring students hone their skills effectively. The clinic handles a significant volume of patients, with over 2,000 patient visits per year, providing students with ample hands-on learning opportunities using modern equipment and electronic patient record systems.
The Dental Hygiene Clinic-Penn underscores Penn College's commitment to providing real-world ready education and serving the community through accessible healthcare services.
