Dental hygiene student Kaylynn Gaskell responded to a reporter’s question asking what it means to her personally to help patients at the Springfield Technical Community College clinic.
“I am so thankful,” Gaskell said. “Being a dental hygiene student and registered dental hygienist graduating, It’s amazing to be able to help patients achieve a bright smile and a healthier lifestyle. … I’m very excited about my future and I can attest to that for all my classmates.”
The Dental Hygiene Clinic is accepting appointments through March 31 for free preventative treatment for children and adults. On March 1, a reporter from Spectrum News 1, based in Worcester, stopped by to create a video story.
One patient, David Meehan, told Spectrum 1 he thinks the free service is a “great opportunity for both the public and the students.”
“This is my third or fourth time coming here,” said Meehan, who was treated by Gaskell “(The students are) all extremely thorough. They explain everything they’re doing. They take the time to make sure that you are comfortable in what they’re doing to you.”
Next up, Spectrum 1 interviewed Martin Wohl, DDS, chair of the Valley District Dental Society and one of the dentists who supervises students.
“STCC has a dental hygiene program and just re-opened its dental assistant program,” Wohl said. “Both dental hygienists and dental assistants are invaluable for all the private practitioners and clinics around the region. This has been a premier place for training.”
Wohl explained that with free services the clinic provides even more access to members of the community. Even before free treatment was offered for certain procedures, the clinic provided services at very nominal fees.
Gaskell said patients at the STCC clinic should expect top notch care.
“It’s a great opportunity for anyone who is hesitant to go and see a dentist or who lacks dental insurance,” she said. “This is probably your most thorough cleaning you are going to get. We are students, everything is double and triple checked “ To schedule an appointment, call (413) 755-4900. For more information, visit stcc.edu/dental.
