Experts say good oral hygiene benefits your overall health. Unfortunately, not everyone can afford it.
But that’s where West Los Angeles College comes in with their free clinic, where Christina Renteria gets some work done.
“I’m trying to get a deep cleaning done,” she said.
West LA is one of four community colleges in California that offers a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene. It is a four-year commitment. Some programs allow students to have some or all of their tuition waived.
Students Lesly Guzman and Elizabeth Ochoa take pride in providing free services to the community, even if you are not a student.
“I know dental access is kind of hard to get, especially in this day and age because it’s very expensive,” Ochoa said.
The school’s clinic offers teeth cleanings, x-rays and other simple procedures – all supervised by the professors.
“A lot of my family hasn’t been able to receive dental care because they don’t have dental insurance,” Guzman said. “So often dentistry was seen as a privilege.”
Although this program is free, there is a need for volunteer patients. The best candidates are middle-aged people with some dental problems.
Patients do not receive a bill here, but they do receive preventive care.
“Oral diseases and infections are linked to cardiovascular disease, diabetes and respiratory disease,” said Professor Lisa Kamibayashi, the program director.
Christina has limited insurance coverage, so coming here has helped her and the students.
“I try to come to these places in addition to my regular places, so that it is a bit even for the wallet,” she said.
Whether it’s for good health or overcoming academic challenges, it’s important to address the root cause.
Jeff Nguyen
