MCC Dental Clinic to hold Free Screening Jan. 20

MARSHALLTOWN – Since 1968 the Marshalltown Community College Dental Assisting Program has held a Dental Clinic on campus that provides an opportunity for the dental assisting students to work with area dentists. Again this year the MCC students will work with Marshalltown dentists Dr. Matt Downey and Dr. Rob Gantz.

MCC Dental Assisting students get hands-on experience with patients as they work with local dentists Dr. Downey and Dr. Gantz in the MCC Dental Clinic, January 20 to March 3, 2010 on the MCC Campus.

In spring 2010 the Clinic will offer patient care by appointment only on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to Noon and 1-3 p.m. The clinic will be open from Jan. 20 through March 3. Appointments are accepted for area residents who have not established a personal dentist in the area.

The Dental Assisting Advisory Board sets the fees. The clinic is not free, however, the MCC Dental Clinic accepts Title XIX patients and most dental insurance plans. Payment is expected at the time of the appointment with a cash discount incentive.

“The Clinic hires dentists to be assisted by current MCC Dental Assisting students,” explains Elaine Peterson, MCC Dental Assisting program Coordinator. “We are excited and privileged to have Dr. Downey and Dr. Gantz working with us for their 10^th year at the MCC Dental Clinic.”

The MCC Dental Clinic is located on the southwest portion of the Marshalltown Community College campus, 3700 S. Center St., near the Continuing Education wing, at entrance #7. The Clinic is clearly marked and has an outside entrance just before the door to entrance #7.

“On Wednesday, January 20th ONLY, we will offer a free screening day where the dentists will do a ‘look and see’ type of evaluation,” adds Peterson. “There will be no dental work done that day, just initial evaluations. Appointments for future work are made at that time.”

Patients must schedule an appointment by calling the MCC Dental Clinic directly at 641-844-5795 or the college at 641-752-7106, ext. 5795 or ext. 5794. There is not a full-time receptionist so persons are asked to leave a message with their complete name and both day and evening phone numbers, as well as the best time to be reached so the appointment can be set. Appointments are being arranged now.

For more information about the MCC Dental Clinic, call Elaine Peterson prior to Dec. 18 or after Jan. 4, 2010 at 844-5794, or e-mail Elaine.Peterson@iavalley.edu.