Student-Run Free Clinic Provides Nearly $40,000 in Dental Care During Fall Semester
The Dental Student Health Action Coalition (Dental SHAC), a student-run free dental clinic at the UNC School of Dentistry, provided close to $40,000 in free dental care to patients from the Chapel Hill/Carrboro community during its fall semester.
The care was provided over 10 clinic sessions and included cleanings, restorations, extractions and screenings. More than 175 patients received the nearly $40,000 in complementary care from school faculty members, residents and students from the school’s D.D.S., dental hygiene and dental assisting programs.
“It’s important to be active in Dental SHAC because it’s the only free dental clinic in the Chapel Hill-Carrboro area,” said Sonam Shah, D.D.S. Candidate 2014. “As students at UNC, we have the opportunity to provide dental care to members of our own community. We’re glad that Dental SHAC lets us provide basic dental care at no charge to some of those who need the care but can’t afford it.”
The Dental SHAC clinic is open on select Wednesday nights, 6 – 9 p.m., in Tarrson Hall at the UNC School of Dentistry. Patients are selected from those in attendance at 6 p.m. on a lottery basis.
“I’m always impressed by the amount of care that’s provided through Dental SHAC,” said Dean Jane Weintraub. “This program is a source of great pride for me. Because participation is completely volunteer, I think the clinic is a great example of the culture of community service maintained here at UNC.”
Dental SHAC is providing treatment during the spring semester. For more information on how to become a patient at Dental SHAC or to see the dates the clinic will be open, visit med.unc.edu/shac/services/clinics/dental/.
