In celebration of National Dental Hygiene Month in October, the Community College of Rhode Island is offering an array of free dental hygiene services at its Dental Hygiene Clinic located at the Lincoln campus.

The Dental Hygiene Clinic is a learning environment for dental hygiene students during each academic year where patients can schedule appointments between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays to receive free treatment from students under the supervision of a licensed dentist and dental hygienist.

Appointments last two hours and more than one appointment may be needed to complete dental hygiene treatment. To book an appointment, call 401-333-7250 or email dhclinic@ccri.edu.

In an effort to help patients prevent oral disease and maintain optimal oral health, CCRI’s Dental Hygiene Clinic offers a baseline cleaning and exam in which a dental hygiene student will examine the hard and soft tissue of the head and neck; record tissue and tooth structures; chart restorations, crowns and bridges; assess the soft debris and plaque in the mouth; and remove calcified deposits on the teeth.

Other services offered during the free cleaning an exam include:

• Educational services
• Fluoride treatment
• Nutritional counseling
• Health history screening
• Oral cancer screening
• Sleep apnea screening
• X-Rays*
• Panoramic radiographs*
• Sealants*

*These services may be offered depending on your dental needs

CCRI facilities follow all Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines. You must reschedule your appointment if you have any COVID, cold, or flu symptoms.

Founded in 2009, National Dental Hygiene Month promotes healthy habits and celebrates the more than 200,000 dental hygienists working in the United States who are an integral part of the healthcare team that provides preventive care services. According to research, regular dental cleanings can prevent heart attacks and tooth decay, the latter of which is the second most common disease in the United States.

Participating in National Dental Hygiene Month encourages patients to floss daily, brush twice a day for two minutes, and rinse with mouthwash. Proper brushing technique is also recommended, i.e., brushing gently at a 45-degree, covering all surfaces of the mouth, and brushing your tongue.