A dental clinic is a place where dentists and other staff provide oral care services. It is often associated with a hospital, school or government office and serves an educational function in addition to providing low-cost services to the public. Dental clinics are generally not as comprehensive as private dental offices and may not offer cosmetic treatment.
The most common services offered at a dental clinic are cleanings, x-rays, and fillings. They can also help patients with their dentures and dental implants. Dental clinics are particularly helpful for people in “dental deserts,” or areas where there is no access to private dental offices. They can help address basic oral health needs and reduce the number of emergency room visits due to dental pain.
Choosing the Right Dental Clinic for Your Family’s Needs
Some clinics provide free or low-cost services to uninsured individuals. This can be especially helpful for families with multiple children who cannot afford to visit private dental practices. Dental clinics are also more likely to have extended hours and be open for more days than private dental offices.
A person can volunteer to work at a dental clinic, or they can donate items that the clinic uses on a regular basis. Disposable supplies, older equipment that is still in working order and extra toothbrushes are all valuable donations to a dental clinic. People can also make monetary donations to help support the clinic’s work. Online reviews can be a good source of information about how satisfied a patient was with the service provided by a particular clinic.