ATSU opening West Valley’s first university-affiliated dental clinic
Posted: November 28, 2007MESA, Ariz. (Nov. 28 2007) – A.T. Still University will open a state-of-the-art six-chair dental facility in Glendale, Ariz., this January. Dental Care West will serve as a real-world instructional opportunity for fourth-year dental students while providing faculty-supervised dental and oral healthcare to underserved seniors and adults with physical or behavioral special needs in the West Valley. Clinical personnel will provide diagnostic services including exams, digital X-rays and cleanings, as well as restorations, endodontics, prosthodontics, oral surgery and prophylactic and periodontal care.
To help reach and care for those in need, patient costs for services at Dental Care West are approximately 50 percent of private dental care fees. “A.T. Still University’s mission is to educate caring dentists and other health professionals who will give back to the community,” said Jack Dillenberg, D.D.S., M.P.H., dean of the Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health.“We are excited to offer excellent dental care at a reduced cost to underserved patients while providing our students an opportunity to serve the community.”
Lack of affordable dental care for special populations and seniors can have devastating consequences. The relationship of oral health to overall healthcare is an essential component of the mission, teaching and clinical experiences of A.T. Still University. The mouth is often described as the “gateway” to the body and good oral hygiene and healthy teeth and gums can have a positive impact on a person’s overall heath.
Access to dental care for underserved populations and communities is gravely insufficient in the United States, particularly the Southwest. The Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health educates caring, technologically-adept dentists who become community and educational leaders serving those in need. The school promotes the delivery of optimal patient care and the transfer of newly-acquired knowledge, skills and technology to the dental profession and community.
West Valley patients who are unable to afford full cost care and who don’t have a regular dental care service provider can call Dental Care West for an appointment at 480-219-6112.