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A free, week-long dental clinic will be offered to residents of Las Cruces and Doña Ana County.
Doña Ana Community College (DACC) Dental Programs, Nursing Program and the New Mexico Dental Association Foundation are pleased to announce the Happy Smiles free dental clinic March 28th thru March 31st at the DACC Espina Campus, 3400 S. Espina. The clinics will be held from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. inside Alex Sanchez Hall, room 80.
The goal of the Happy Smiles event is to improve and promote oral health and overall health for members in the community who have limited resources. Residents will receive free preventive services including dental cleanings, radiographs, and fluoride treatments.
“After almost two years of not being able to host this event due to the pandemic, we are excited to welcome our community once again to our college and provide them with resources that can help them enhance their oral health and overall health,” says Elmer Gonzalez, director of the Dental Hygiene Program. “This year the collaboration with the nursing program, the New Mexico Dental Association Foundation and the great support from community partners is aimed at reaching as many individuals as possible.”
The clinic is by appointment only as space is limited. Individuals may call (575) 528-7071 to schedule. A parent or legal guardian must be present with any minor under the age of 18. No treatment will be provided if minors do not have a parent or legal guardian with them.
In addition to the clinic, there will also be a community health fair called Healthy Bodies, Happy Smiles also at the Espina campus. The fair will be held March 31st through April 1st from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. DACC Nursing students and community partners will provide health resources and screenings to community members. Anyone is welcome to attend, and no appointment is needed.
According to the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), tooth decay (cavities) is one of the most common chronic conditions of children in the U.S. Untreated tooth decay can cause pain and infections that may lead to problems with eating, speaking, playing, and learning. Links between poor oral health and systemic conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes have also been explored and CDC researchers have found evidence of plaque and tooth decay leading to diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and premature, low-weight births.
