SPRINGFIELD – Springfield Technical Community College’s Dental Hygiene Clinic is pleased to announce that it will be offering free preventative dental treatments, including cleanings and X-rays, for children and adults throughout March 2025.
The clinic, located on the STCC campus, operates under the supervision of licensed dentists and hygienists, providing students with hands-on training while delivering quality comprehensive oral health care to the community.
Students enrolled in the Dental Hygiene and Dental Assistant programs at STCC gain valuable experience through their clinical work. Upon graduation, they are employed at dental offices across the state. The Dental Assistant program is enrolling students through April 11 for the fall semester.
STCC usually charges a nominal fee for services, but as part of its commitment to community outreach, the School of Health and Patient Simulation has decided to waive fees for certain treatments during March.
“We are excited to offer free treatment to the community,” said Christopher Scott, dean of the School of Health and Patient Simulation at STCC. “This initiative not only provides our students with essential hands-on training but also ensures that individuals who may not have access to dental care can receive important hygiene treatments and examinations.”
The clinic is located in the Health Science Building (Building 20, Room 238) on the STCC campus and is open Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The clinic is closed on Wednesdays.
“The $35 fee for prophylaxis (teeth cleaning), exams, and bitewing X-rays is waived during March,” said Meg Loadholt, the Dental Hygiene program coordinator. “We also offer additional treatments, such as sealants, whitening trays, nightguards and full-mouth X-rays, at very nominal fees.”
Loadholt emphasized that the clinic serves a dual purpose: to educate students while providing treatment to community members seeking affordable dental care.
Students in the dental programs must treat a certain number of patients to graduate. Under expert supervision, they work with state-of-the-art equipment to provide high-quality care.
Loadholt noted that the free clinic could be particularly beneficial for patients who have been denied insurance coverage for a deep cleaning.
“Deep cleaning is often a costly procedure, but patients can come here and receive it for free,” she said.
To schedule an appointment, call (413) 755-4900. For more information, including a full list of services offered at the clinic, visit stcc.edu/dental.
Interested in applying to STCC? Visit stcc.edu/apply or call Admissions at (413) 755-3333.
STCC, the Commonwealth’s only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC’s highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequaled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates. ■