Hunt School of Dental Medicine students are addressing a critical gap in dental care here in our Borderplex by offering no-cost screenings and cleanings for adults 60 and older.
Within the last two years, the Oral Health Clinic has hosted several special events for older adults, including screenings, cleanings, fluoride applications, imaging, extractions and debridement.
For two years, San Elizario resident Lidia Rocio Ruiz had searched for a dentist in our Borderplex before finally deciding to drive 45 minutes to attend an event in 2024.
“I felt at home, like I was with family,” said Ruiz. “I was extremely nervous. But the students treated me like they knew me already. That calmed me down.”
Ruiz said she formed a bond with both students who took care of her, adding that they gave her confidence in her smile.
Events such as the WellMed Charitable Foundation Screen and Clean, which takes place Friday, March 21, and Friday, March 28, at the Texas Tech Dental Oral Health Clinic, improve oral health among older adults in our Borderplex, where many lack access to affordable dental care.
Patient appointments are offered both dates from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Seniors can schedule their appointments by calling 915-215-6700.
This upcoming event is made possible thanks to a $20,000 grant from the WellMed Dental Patient Fund for Underserved Seniors. Financial assistance will also be available for follow-up services for those who qualify.
Many older adults across West Texas suffer from poor dental health because quality care remains out of reach. Reduced-cost services at the Oral Health Clinic help our older Borderplex residents establish routine dental care, which benefits their overall health.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, regular dental visits are recommended for all older adults, even those with full dentures. However, Medicare doesn’t cover routine dental services, so older adults may have trouble accessing care.
Regular dental check-ups, good oral hygiene and a healthy diet are essential for preventing oral and systemic diseases and maintaining overall health. In El Paso County, oral health remains a pressing issue for older adults. Nearly 14% of them experience complete tooth loss, leading to poor nutrition and declining overall health.
Opened in 2021, the Hunt School of Dental Medicine provides more than 30,000 hours of reduced-cost dental care to 18,000 patients annually, serving as a critical resource for our community.
In addition to benefiting patients, the screen and clean events offer Hunt School of Dental Medicine students valuable hands-on clinical training under faculty supervision. This experience helps prepare future dentists to meet the region’s diverse needs while addressing challenges in dental care accessibility.
Visit ttdentalcare.com for additional details on the Texas Tech Dental Oral Health Clinic or to schedule a low-cost screening and cleaning.
The post Texas Tech Dental Oral Health Clinic’s No-Cost Screenings and Cleanings Close Critical Gaps for Older Adults in our Borderplex appeared first on El Paso Matters.
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