LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Whether it’s lost income or COVID-19-related issues, going to the dentist is something a lot of people forget about these days.
But as 13 Action News anchor Tricia Kean reports, there is a local program that promises safety and affordability.
“I feel safer here than when I go grocery shopping,” said student Maninder Matharu.
PATIENT SCREENING
He knows firsthand the new procedures protecting patients and staff at UNLV Dental School.
“The first thing we do is screen patients and we screen ourselves. We all have these little red tags that show we’re screened,” Matharu said.
FIFTY PERCENT CAPACITY
Anyone entering the building must wear a mask, have their temperature checked and answer questions about their possible exposure to COVID-19. Staff also wear head-to-toe personal protective equipment.
“They’re covered in shields, caps, booties, gowns…we’re at about 50% capacity for safety measures,” dental school dean Dr. Lily T. Garcia said. .
She says all other chairs in the clinic are off limits, following proper social distancing guidelines. Plus, they added protections like those glass partitions and state-of-the-art filtering systems.
FACULTY SUPERVISION
UNLV School of Dentistry services include; general and pediatric dentistry, orthodontics and emergency care. Most of the services are provided by students like Matharu, but the teachers supervise everything and, if necessary, they can intervene.
“Here you’ll see us, you’ll see the hygienist, you’ll see the dentist and sometimes you’ll see another dentist as well. Everyone will make sure everything is perfect, good to do and manual,” says Matharu.
UP TO 60% CHEAPER
Best of all, UNLV dental services are offered at a very low price.
“We can be 40 to 60 percent lower than private charges,” Garcia said.
The school also plans to launch a free clinic on Saturdays.
“We can provide free care to veterans, homeless people, mothers and children who are victims of domestic violence,” Garcia said.
Ultimately, Matharu says it’s a deal you should definitely take advantage of.
“Come here because you’re going to get the best job possible and at a discount. So that’s good,” Matharu said.
UNLV says appointments typically take about two to three hours. Anyone interested in becoming a patient can call 702-774-2400.
