TSTC hygiene students perform low-cost dental treatment for transplant patients

EDINBURG, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Texas State Technical College has partnered with Red Square Dental and Orthodontics in Edinburg to provide treatments at a lower cost to patients.

A lack of access to affordable dental care has prevented patients who need dental transplants from becoming eligible for the list.

To be put on a transplant list, patients need to pass a series of tests including blood testing, psychological evaluations and dental clearance among others.

Students from the program will gain hands-on clinical experience by performing cleanings and other treatments.

Pedro Salazar, the CEO of Red Square Dental and Orthodontics, said the partnership with TSTC is needed to help the high amount of diabetic people in the Rio Grande Valley.

“These patients aren’t always insured and even when they’re insured sometimes they can’t afford the treatment," Salazar said. "So for us, it was important to partner with a group like TSTC that can help them receive the care that they need so they can ultimately get on a transplant list to get the transplant that they need to save their lives.”

These issues can take years to treat, but through this program, patients will be treated quickly to clear them for the transplant list.

Kaitlyn Mata, a second-year hygiene student at TSTC, said she feels that her training has prepared her to work with these patients and educate them about oral care.

“It’s an amazing experience and I know I’ve always wanted to have a community type of experience," Mata said. "Our instructors really work hard to give us that experience to not only sharpen our skills but also to help the community.”