FSW dental hygiene program offers low-cost dental care

Healthy teeth can cost a pretty penny but it doesn’t have to be so expensive if you’re willing to give up some of your time.

Florence Alexander likes to keep her pearly whites in good shape without breaking the bank, so instead of heading to a dental office, she strolls into Florida SouthWestern State College’s student-run dental hygiene clinic.

“I feel like I’m getting better care,” Alexander said. “And they take their time and explain things better. I enjoy coming here.”

Students training to be dental hygienists, like Johanna Najera, get hands-on experience
while helping the community save money and stay healthy.

“When I see that huge improvement in their health just because the mouth is the portal to your health. If you keep your mouth healthy, you will keep your body healthy.”

The average cost for a cleaning at a typical dentist costs about $125. Add on consultation fees, exams, and X-rays and it adds up quickly.

But at FSW’s dental hygiene clinic, it’s $50 for adults and $30 for kids.

There is a dentist on-site to point out if anything in your mouth needs more attention.

Clorie Atkins, is a registered dental hygienist and dental clinic associate. She says, “We still recommend that they see a dentist regularly because we don’t offer the same services, you know, restorative work.”

Your appointment will last a couple of hours.

But for Alexander, it’s worth it. “Because I feel like they are learning, they have to work on somebody. And they take their time, they explain things and they do a good job. I feel like I get a very good cleaning when I come here.” And leave with a better smile.

You can only pay in cash or with a check.

The clinic is open Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Fort Myers campus located at 8099 College Parkway.

Appointments can be made by calling (239) 985-8334.