Please provide a little background on the Carrington College Dental Hygiene Clinic?
The first Cohort was accepted and started in 2005 with the dental hygiene clinic opening in 2006.
What are the days/hours that the clinic is open?
The clinic hours are Monday – Thursday from 8-5 pm, but appointments are typically scheduled for 8:00 am or 1:00 pm. Dental cleaning services are at no cost to the patient. Please schedule an appointment by calling (916) 361-5168.
How many students do you typically have working in the clinic?
We may have up to 24 students working at a time on patients. We have students who are assigned other duties each clinic session as well. They help the flow of the clinic so that our students who are treating patients can be efficient.
What type of work will they be doing during my appointment?
For guests, their first visit will include a “screening appointment” where a student and a clinic instructor will conduct a few assessments to determine if the patient is acceptable for an educational setting. This appointment includes a comprehensive review of the patient’s health history, blood pressure, pulse, temperature and respiration check, extraoral and intraoral exam, radiographs (dental x-rays), and determination of a treatment plan. Because this is a learning institution our assessment can take some time, but it will be thorough. Once a treatment plan has been determined it will be presented to the patient. The duration of each patient’s appointment will depend on the current state of their oral health and the treatment plan necessary. Our students strive to keep you as comfortable as possible during your appointment.
How is the campus dental clinic different from a private practice?
The Carrington College Dental Hygiene Clinic is different from a private practice in that our dental cleanings are provided at no charge. Also, since your treatment will be carried out by students who are supervised by licensed dental hygienists and dentists, our appointments do take longer. It should be noted that in our clinic we do not have to worry about what insurance will cover or not cover. If you can best be treated from a deep cleaning with anesthesia, that is what you will receive.
Is the clinic open to anyone in the community?
The Carrington College Dental Hygiene Clinic in Sacramento is open to everyone in the community and offers dental cleanings at no charge. All treatments are carried out by students who are supervised by licensed dental hygienists and dentists. Our students can treat patients from any age group and they also learn about treating those with challenging medical conditions, physical conditions, and even those with dental fears. Sometimes patients will have a medical complication that will require clearance from their medical doctor before we can proceed. However, since most systemic conditions can be improved with better oral health, doctors almost always approve patients to have the treatment needed.
How much does it cost for a dental cleaning?
Dental cleanings are at no cost to the patient. What we ask for is time commitment.
Do I need to schedule an appointment?
Yes, please call 916-361-5168.
What will I need to bring with me?
Some patients get a little cold as they are receiving assessments and treatment. We can provide blankets, but you may wish to dress in layers. If you have had dental radiographs in the last three years you can arrange for those to be sent to our clinic and in some cases, we will not need to take new radiographs. Other than that, just bring yourself.
How long will it take?
Your appointment could be one three-hour session, or it may be many. This depends on the current state of your oral health and the treatment plan necessary to restore you to optimum oral health.
Is there anything different I need to do with COVID-19 still being a concern?
Regarding COVID-19, we have enhanced protocols to keep everyone safe. Patients will receive a temperature check before entering the building and everyone is to wear a mask, social distance, and wash their hands (or use hand sanitizer). Patients will answer COVID-19 symptom questions and then be brought into the clinic where we have our students and faculty using increased personal protective equipment. We have air purifiers and many other rules to keep everybody as safe as possible while receiving quality care. For more information on the Carrington College Dental Hygiene Clinic in Sacramento, please check out this interview on FOX40 News: https://fox40.com/morning/interview-national-childrens-dental-health-month/
