Nebraska—A dental program at Northeastern University (NE) is offering low-cost dental cleanings to the public: anyone with or without dental insurance can receive a cleaning for just $10.
The program aims to provide accessible oral health care to community members who lack dental insurance or cannot afford routine dental care.
Norma Guadalupe, a second-year dental student, said the service has been a huge help to her and her family. “I’ve been bringing my whole family, and each family member only pays $10. They feel comfortable knowing I’m providing the service,” she said.
Amy Cooper, program director, explained that the clinic has 20 treatment rooms, but only about five are used at any one time to avoid crowding and allow students to learn in close proximity. Each room that is used typically houses a small group of dental hygiene students performing hands-on practice, observation, and cleanings.
Brittany Green, a dental instructor at the University of Nebraska, said both first- and second-year dental students can participate in cleanings, but first-year students have to wait until their second semester.
“Some dental schools don’t have an on-campus clinic, so it’s very rare for students to get clinical experience here,” she said, adding that students must complete a series of examinations and approvals before cleaning patients.
Green also noted that clinical instructors review patients’ medical histories and medication allergies, perform oral cancer screenings, and conduct additional oral examinations. Students are required to take periodontal measurements before cleanings can begin, and all steps must be reviewed and confirmed by their instructors.
Students are also responsible for recruiting patients. Guadalupe mentioned that the clinic uses a “resource pool” to identify and contact patients with available appointments.
Another student, Brianna Hernandez, proactively posted recruitment information on social media to meet her teaching requirement of eight patients this semester.
She explained that community service is part of the curriculum, and students also participate in various aspects of clinic operations at nonprofit organizations like Arlington Dental Health, helping with sterilization, cleaning instruments, and working the front desk.
Green emphasized that the $10 dental cleaning is significant for many uninsured individuals. She explained that without dental insurance, a dental cleaning typically costs between $120 and $1,000. “For those who can’t afford regular care, $10 is a great deal,” she said. She also mentioned that patients have driven four hours for this appointment, demonstrating the high demand.