Making a Smile

"The indigent dental clinic has been a vision of mine for about 12 years," said Susan Rexroat, who is the administrator of the Dental Assisting Program at Traviss.

The opportunity for the program opened up when Polk County residents approved a half-cent sales tax to pay for those who are uninsured and underinsured who need medical and dental care.

When asked how the dental clinic even began Rexroat replied, "I had to write a grant, which took about five days, and submit it to the County Commission."

It was all worth it for Rexroat though, because soon after the County Commission approved the grant.

After a lot of paperwork, numerous phone calls, and e-mails, patients started to come in to the clinic.

Patients who want to come in must first be screened through the Polk Health Care Plan where they will be assigned either to the Lakeland Volunteers In Medicine clinic or the program at Traviss.

"We only see patients from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays during the week," Rexroat said, "and we usually prefer adults since there is a tremendous need for adult dental care."

Patients coming in gives the students actual hands-on experience with people and a glimpse of what their future career is going to be like.

Since the program began March 12, Traviss has seen 120 patients and hopes to have more before the program ends on April 25.

It is hoped the clinic will continue in the fall, but that will require another grant.

Dr. Stephen Young, the primary volunteer dentist at Traviss, offers services such as cavity repair and cleaning.

Rexroat was asked what was the one thing she noticed the most since the program began.

"The teamwork that has gone into it and all the patients we have helped out," she said.

Student Amber Hicks said the clinic is helpful for students.

"It is very exciting, and having a nice doctor to work with makes all the difference. This hands-on experience puts a whole new light on the process. It's different from practicing on mannequins; when you are doing it for real it is scary and exciting."

Student Rachel Gainey agrees. "We love our patients, they are so happy to be helped, we really enjoy it."

"It is exciting to see the results," Dr. Young said.