What to Expect at Concorde DH Clinics

Concorde offers Dental Hygiene services to the public at each of the eight campuses which sponsor our on-campus and online Dental Hygiene programs. In many instances, you can walk in off the street, with no appointment, and receive comprehensive services at much lower costs than you can receive through an independent practitioner.

You can get your teeth cleaned and other Dental Hygiene services from Concorde DH students under the strict supervision of a licensed dentist. While walk-ins are generally available, appointments are typically preferred. In addition to cleanings, clinics offer digital X-rays, bite guards, bleaching trays and dental sealants.

But, what is the experience at a Concorde Dental Hygiene clinic really like? We wanted to give you the whole picture, so we asked some of our Dental Hygiene program directors to describe their experiences with their clinics.

Dental Hygiene with a smile

Alissa Beckerle, Dental Hygiene Program Director at Concorde's campus in Kansas City, Mo., said patients visiting the clinic there can expect to be greeted with a smile. Patients first are asked to complete a thorough medical history, including all current medications.

"Believe it or not, many medications have oral side effects and can have an effect on your dental treatment," Beckerle said.

Students then take vital signs, like blood pressure and temperature. The next procedure is the comprehensive oral evaluation, looking for any abnormalities on the gums or inside the mouth.

Always supervised Dental Hygiene

As Marla Dunlap, Dental Hygiene Program Director at Concorde's campus in Memphis, Tn., pointed out, there always is a registered dental hygienist nearby to check students' work.

"Once all assessments have been completed, the student checks in with an RDH (faculty member) who will confirm all information recorded by the student during the initial check-in," Dunlap said. "Once confirmed, the student and faculty will discuss the need for X-rays and will confirm with the dentist who will come and perform the final comprehensive exam to check oral health, any risk of future disease and advise the patient on any care or treatment that might be needed."

Dental Hygiene in Dallas

Students schedule their own patients and keep an appointment book of their own at the Dallas campus of Concorde, according to DH Program Director Donna Sutton. Procedures are much the same as at other campuses - check-in, oral exam followed by confirmation with an RDH or dentist. Other procedures offered at the Dallas clinic include dental probing, X-rays if needed, dental exam, oral hygiene instruction, removal of calculus from teeth and gums, polish, floss, and fluoride.

"Each patient varies, and the treatment is individualized and presented to the patient in a treatment plan", Sutton said. "Patients can return for re-care appointments at three-month or six-month intervals."

Dental Hygiene can take time

Beckerle said patients can expect to spend anywhere from 3-4 hours for a single dental visit at a learning institution.

"Treatment is sometimes completed in stages and may need multiple appointments," she said. "Students are learning and not as time-efficient as seasoned professionals. However, they give quality care that is observed and verified by a faculty member that is a licensed dental professional."

"Many of our patients express that they've had the best cleanings at our clinic."