KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Dental students are applying what they've learned in the classroom in the real world. A dental clinic staffed by students from Lincoln Memorial University is now accepting new patients.
The clinic is located in the LMU tower in North Knoxville. The Interim Dean of LMU's College of Dental Medicine said the clinic offers quality care for a low cost.
U.S. News and World Report ranks Tennessee as the 43rd state in the country for access to dentists. It said most people in the state don't have regular dental care.
"We want people to know that we are here to serve our residents around here. We believe in giving back, we believe in providing quality dental services to all of our residents here and we are here to make a difference here," said Qi Wang, the Interim Dean of the College of Dental Medicine at LMU.
The dental students first learn techniques in a lab setting and practice with model teeth. Once they reach their third year, they transition to hands-on learning with real patients in the clinic.
"We're able to change learning modalities to actual working with patients. Earlier on, we're able to work in the classroom, move on to simulation, and move on to assisting. But, to be in the driver's seat now, to be student practitioners, student doctors," said Kortney Powell, a student doctor.
Wang said it's a part of LMU's philosophy to offer low-cost dental services across the community, serving underserved populations. Another student said she hopes the low cost of services will help get more people to care about their oral health.
"A lot of people don't know until they come to sit in our chair that oral health really is systemic and it involves the whole body. So, that's really rewarding as a future dentist — to be able to reduce those overall health disparities in our community," said Bahia Mohd.
Jason McConnell, LMU's president, said he encourages East Tennesseans to make an appointment with the clinic.
"If you've got an oral health need and you feel that it's something that needs to be treated —absolutely come by and see us. We're more than willing to make an appointment and see if we can help," said McConnell. "One thing that's unique about where we live is the oral health. And so we really wanted to provide that service for the people of East Tennessee and the Appalachian surrounding regions."
The student clinic is open for appointments Monday through Thursday, with appointment times available at 8:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Patients can schedule an appointment by calling 865-370-2128.
Patients are encouraged to leave a detailed message with their contact information if they are unable to reach a representative. A representative from the College of Dental Medicine will return the call to schedule the appointment.