At The University of New Mexico’s School of Medicine, a beneficial program is ensuring the future of dental hygiene while caring for the community. The student-run dental clinic at Novitski Hall offers affordable preventative dental care while providing students with invaluable hands-on experience.
“As future dental hygienists, our priority is the patients. We really want to help them,” said Sofia Valverde, a senior in the undergraduate Dental Hygiene Program. “It's about helping the patient and making sure that they're taking care of themselves in the best way that they can and that we can help them.”
The clinic, supervised by licensed faculty, offers cleanings, deep cleanings, X-rays, sealants, and other preventative care. For students, it’s a chance to hone their skills under professional guidance. For the community, it’s an opportunity to receive thorough, affordable care.
"Our appointments are lengthier because it's an educational setting, but most of our patients really enjoy that because they feel like they get a better, more thorough cleaning," said Justine Ponce, RDH, MS.
"Most of the time, our patients just love the environment of the instructors helping the students and the students wanting to do everything they can to help our patients. The patients feel like they're taken care of very well when they're here."
Ponce, an assistant professor and junior clinic coordinator at UNM's Division of Dental Hygiene, emphasized the significant benefits the clinic's services can offer to students. "As a college student, maybe you're increasing your caffeine or your coffee, or making poor beverage choices for your oral health. It's typical your diet might change," Ponce explained. She added that students need to stay motivated and understand the importance of maintaining their oral health in order to maintain their overall health.
The clinic provides accessible services to patients of all ages and backgrounds. Discount rates are offered for students, which put a normal cleaning at just $30 before insurance, presenting an affordable option for college students managing tight budgets while prioritizing their oral health.
Despite offering valuable preventive services to the community, many are unaware of the student-run dental clinic. Valverde highlighted the team's ongoing outreach efforts.
"We put out flyers to get contacted if you're interested in a cleaning. We've put out stuff on social media to try to get patients to come in, and put up posters in neighborhoods," Valverde said. "Dental hygiene is something that a lot of people take for granted. They don't realize how important it is to your overall health."
Valverde encouraged anyone who learns about the clinic to take action. "Whoever does see this, they should really take advantage of the services that we have and not just set it aside for another time. We're here, and we're willing to accept anyone."
This connection between community health and education highlights the unique role the clinic plays in fostering a collaborative relationship between patients and students.
“It's a great experience for the patient and the student because the student's able to learn from a variety of patients from the community, and that's very appreciated. But if you're the patient coming in from the community, you're making an impact and making their education even more valuable," said Ponce.
