USI Dental Hygiene Clinic to offer free dental cleanings for veterans
February 12, 2015
The University of Southern Indiana Dental Hygiene Clinic will provide free dental cleaning, fluoride and X-rays for military veterans on Monday, February 23, and Wednesday, February 25.
This service, sponsored by Southwest Indiana Area Health Education Center (SWI-AHEC), meets a real need in the community, according to Joel Matherly, manager of the Veteran, Military & Family Resource Center at USI. "Dental hygiene treatments, as well a most other dental services, are not covered as a benefit for veterans unless they are 100 percent service connected or see a civilian dentist," he said.
USI Dental Hygiene faculty will supervise the students who will be providing the cleanings, X-rays and fluoride treatments. Proof of military affiliation is required at the time of the appointment, and a picture identification may be required if the source is a membership card.
Kimberly Parsons, interim chair of the USI Dental Hygiene Program, said the USI Dental Hygiene Clinic is pleased to partner with SWI-AHEC to offer this free service for veterans. "It is a way to honor those who have served in the military, while also offering an opportunity for our students to gain some understanding of the needs of veterans."
Parsons said each veteran will be asked to complete a medical history form. "If someone has a medical condition that requires consultation with a physician, dental hygiene treatment may be delayed until we have written approval," she said.
The USI Dental Hygiene Clinic is located on the USI campus in the Health Professions Center Room 1040. Appointments are required. To make an appointment, call 812-464-1706.
USI's Dental Hygiene Program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association, a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council on Postsecondary Accreditation and by the United States Department of Education.
Southwest Indiana AHEC began as a regional center in 2008, and it is hosted by the University of Southern Indiana in the College of Nursing and Health Professions. SWI-AHEC is part of a national network with a mission to improve health by leading the nation in the recruitment, training and retention of a diverse health workforce for underserved communities.