Harper College dental clinic offers reduced rates, thorough exams
Watching scrubs-clad people working feverishly over patients at Harper College's Lab Room X102 in Building X may lead one to believe they are observing a professional dental clinic in action. However, in reality, it is students of the college's dental hygiene program honing their skills.
"Under the supervision of licensed hygienists and dentists, our students provide exams, checks for gum diseases, oral hygiene instruction, fluoride treatments, X-rays and more," said Erin Holmes Brooks, media relations specialist at Harper.
The Harper dental hygiene program, established in 1968, is a six-semester, 82-credit hour career program that leads to an associate degree in applied science. The accredited program, one of only 13 in the state, produces about 30 graduates a year.
The clinic, housed in Harper's state-of-the-art Avante Center, averages 1,500-2,000 visits a year. Service charges run one-quarter to one-third of the typical cost. This is helpful for those who lack proper insurance.
Such was the case for Buffalo Grove's Shelly Begel, when she and her children first frequented the clinic in the mid 1970s. However, over the years when she did have benefits, she continued to receive dental care at Harper.
"After I used my insurance to go to the dentist and then came back to the clinic, they said I received a poor cleaning," said Begel. "The dentist does a quick job to be done, but because they are learning, the students do a very thorough job."
The Harper dental facility, although open to community members, is not a public health clinic. It is a simulated learning environment.
"The speed of service differs than that of an experienced clinic because every step, starting with vitals, has to be approved by a licensed professional," said Professor Kathleen Hock.
Hock also explained not everyone may be eligible to participate.
"Finances are not what determine whether a patient is accepted or not accepted," said Hock. "Patients must meet the required course criteria and are tailored to the students' needs."
Hock explained that there might be a wait to get an appointment, and some services will require multiple visits. She also said appointment length might run three to four hours.
"I don't mind the wait time because I get a thorough cleaning and my mouth is much healthier, so it's worth my time," Begel said.
Hocks pointed out the positives of the program are reduced rates, the latest in dental practices, and comprehensive, thorough treatment.
"The program is very intense," said Hock. "The amount of time spent in the class, clinic, and lab is very lengthy."
"The students, who leave Harper with the preparations needed to become licensed in Illinois, get invaluable hands-on training, both with other students and with members of the community," said Holmes Brooks.
One of those students is Emily Perisin of Wheeling. She has been in the program for 11/2 years and said working on humans is essential to success.
"When working on mannequins, you can't replicate the feel of living tissue. And there are no tongues in the mannequins to teach you how to work around them," said Perisin. "Dealing with a real patient gets you acquainted with those things."
Perisin has seen 20 patients during her enrollment. During that time, except for a few complaints about the time issue, the relationship with patients has been positive.
"Things have gone smoothly," she said. "We are fortunate to have nice people coming through the clinic."
Begel - who said "I am a teacher in my heart so I like helping the students learn" - feels she learns along with them. One lesson she learned through their medication profile alerted her that one drug she was on could cause excessive bleeding during procedures.
"All my questions are answered and they keep me up on the new things," she said.
To learn more about Harper's dental hygiene program, or to set up a dental appointment call (847) 925-6534.