Horry-Georgetown Technical College Dental Clinic

The Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) Dental Clinic is a community-focused dental facility located on the Grand Strand Campus in Myrtle Beach, SC. It serves a dual purpose: to provide accessible and Affordable dental care to the public and to offer a robust, hands-on learning environment for students enrolled in HGTC's accredited Dental Hygiene and Expanded Duty Dental Assisting programs. The clinic operates in a state-of-the-art facility, equipped with modern technology, allowing students to gain practical experience under the direct supervision of licensed dentists and experienced faculty. This setup ensures that patients receive quality care while students develop essential clinical skills. Services offered at the HGTC Dental Clinic typically include preventive care such as dental exams, cleanings (prophylaxis and periodontal scaling for adults and children), and X-rays. On a more limited basis, additional services like sealants, fillings, and extractions are also provided, often focusing on children and veterans who may have limited access to dental care. The clinic emphasizes patient education and preventive dentistry. Due to its nature as a teaching institution, appointments may require multiple visits, and individual appointments can range from one to three hours in length to allow for thorough student learning and faculty evaluation. The clinic maintains a waitlist, but patients who can accommodate short-notice appointments may be seen sooner. Fees for services are generally lower than private practices, offering significant cost savings for clients. The HGTC Dental Clinic plays a crucial role in addressing the dental health needs of the local community, particularly for uninsured individuals, by providing a low-cost option for essential dental services. It also contributes significantly to the regional workforce by graduating highly skilled and competent dental professionals.