Bridging the Gap: University of Bridgeport Dental Hygiene Students Bring Mobile Clinic to Those in Need
For many, a visit to the dentist isn’t simply a matter of scheduling an appointment. It’s a hurdle of access, affordability, and sometimes, even comfort. Recognizing this challenge, the University of Bridgeport’s Fones School of Dental Hygiene has launched a mobile clinic program, bringing preventative dental care directly to individuals who might otherwise go without.
The initiative focuses on reaching underserved populations, including those with special needs who may face significant barriers to traditional dental care. Students from the Fones School are visiting schools and other locations across the area, providing free oral health screenings, cleanings, and education.
“It’s access to care in that sense of bringing care to the patient where they are, where they’re comfortable,” explains Adriana Fields, program director at the school. This approach is particularly impactful for individuals with sensory sensitivities or those who have experienced difficulty navigating traditional dental settings.
Addressing Unique Needs at Oakview School
Twice a week, the UB students set up a mobile clinic at Oakview School in Trumbull, a special education school serving young adults. This location allows them to provide tailored care to students who may struggle with sensory issues or have long waiting lists for specialized dental services.
“There are many barriers to care in general, you know, in life for everyone. So, when it comes to special needs or special care dentistry, those barriers become a little bit more,” says Krystal Quaynor, an adjunct clinical professor at the school. The team understands that building trust and ensuring patient comfort are paramount.
To address potential anxieties, the students employ a gradual approach. They may begin with a “sensory visit” to familiarize patients with the tools and procedures before initiating any treatment. “Some students, we’re able to do all of that in the first appointment. Some students, we’re on appointment number three and we’re just now getting into the mouth. But that’s fine because they’re leaving happy, and every appointment we’re able to get farther and farther in treatment,” Quaynor explains.
A Familiar Setting Fosters Comfort
The choice of location plays a crucial role in easing patient apprehension. Cameron Kubovic, a fourth-year student at Oakview School, shared his experience. “Well, I know this kind of like this building in and out. We’re actually in this room a couple of times with my classroom,” he said.
Prior to the mobile clinic’s arrival, Kubovic had only visited the dentist once before, and the prospect of another appointment filled him with anxiety. However, receiving care in a familiar environment significantly reduced his concerns. “I felt maybe 50% better, even 80,” Kubovic reported.
Dual Benefits: Patient Care and Student Training
The program offers benefits beyond providing much-needed dental care. It also serves as a valuable clinical rotation for the University of Bridgeport dental hygiene students. The experience allows them to hone their skills in a real-world setting, preparing them for the challenges they will encounter in their future careers.
“They will be just that much more ready to, to be in the real world. Not everything is perfectly set up in your office, so you don’t always have all of the different materials that we have at our main clinic,” Fields notes. The mobile clinic environment encourages adaptability and resourcefulness.
The ultimate goal is to establish a cycle of preventative care, encouraging patients to prioritize their oral health and seek regular dental attention. “The goal is to make them comfortable so that even if they do seek care outside of here and they do go into an office or a hospital, they feel more comfortable because they’ve experienced what it’s like here,” Quaynor emphasizes.
The Fones Dental Hygiene Clinic at the University of Bridgeport offers a range of services, including oral examinations, personalized home care instruction, X-rays, teeth cleaning, sealants, fluoride treatments, and laser therapy. Services are available to the general public, as well as to University students, faculty, alumni, and staff. , the clinic offers oral prophylaxis (teeth cleaning) for the general public at $40 for adults and $25 for children up to 16 years old.
The University of Bridgeport’s commitment to community outreach through its UB Clinics – which also include the School of Chiropractic, School of Naturopathic Medicine, and Acupuncture Institute – demonstrates a dedication to holistic health and accessible healthcare for all.
