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We begin a series of reports tonight aimed at saving you money. November and December can be expensive months so every little bit helps.
A lot of pictures are taken this time of year so we begin with an idea on how you can save money improving your smile.
With tonight's deep discount, here's Seven-On-Your-Side's Jason Pederson.
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Amber Taylor is a senior at Harding University. The Jonesboro native is getting some on-the-job training at UAMS' Dental Hygiene Clinic.
But she needs teeth in order to train. That is where Mary Kelly comes in.
(Mary Kelly/Sherwood) “Well they do a marvelous job. You can't go anywhere and get the job these students give you. I'm so thankful that I found them and I enjoy coming.”
What Mary enjoys even more is saving. Her wiliingness to open up and say "Ahhhh" for students is rewarded with a reasonable bill...only twenty dollars each visit.
(Dr. Mark Zoeller/Supervising Dentist) “It's a very good way to save money if patients understand that they're students…and it is going to take a longer time to have their teeth cleaned. They're not going to come in like at a regular dental office and have their teeth cleaned in an hour. They're working with students who have a lot of paperwork to do, a lot of procedures that have to be graded and checked…so they're going to be here for two or two-and-a-half hours just for a cleaning.”
(Amber Taylor/Student) “This is a learning process but we are being graded so we are trying to do the best job that we can so we can get good grades and be a good dental hygienist.”
Arkansas does not have a dental school, so for in-state dental training this is as advanced as it gets. About 160 students applied for one of the 34 spots in this two-year program.
Hygienists don't drill and fill. They can't perform oral surgery or pull teeth. But each of these students will serve an important role in a dentist's office after they graduate.
(Dr. Zoeller) “We show them the correct way to brush their teeth. The correct way to floss. How they can keep their teeth healthy. They're learning dental hygiene. To be able to work with the dentist and alongside the dentist to clean the teeth, teach the public oral hygiene instructions, to be able to keep their teeth clean and do a good job cleaning on the teeth.”
Two full time supervising dentists and three licensed dental hygienists oversee the college juniors and seniors while they work. Most of the patients do not have insurance and are thankful to have found the clinic.
(Susan Long/Dept. Chairman) “Word of mouth…and it has not been that well kept of a secret. Usually people who come here are happy with the service that they provide and they tell their friends and family and then they tell their friends and family and that is usually how we get our patients.”
Mary has been coming for three or four years. She likes that it helps her social security check go a little further, but she likes helping young people learn their craft even more.
(Ms. Kelly) “They do a great job. They are a wonderful bunch of students.”
The clinic is not open year-round.it operates most Tuesdays and Thursdays when school is in session and is closed over Christmas break.
If you would like to schedule an appointment you can call 501-686-5733.
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