APPALACHIA — The dental assistant lab at Mountain Empire Community College got a practical workout Tuesday in what the school hopes will be a regular event.
Dr. Emily Bowen, instructor for the college’s dental assistant program, said Tuesday’s clinic also helped spread the word about care available under Virginia’s Medicaid expansion.
“Health care is one of the biggest issues we hear about from our students,” said Bowen. “A lot of students don’t realize that the Medicaid expansion covers dental care.”
Tuesday’s seven-hour clinic, at the college’s Center for Workforce Innovation in Appalachia, included Health Wagon support through dentist Olivia Stallard and dental assistant and MECC program graduate Taylor Perry. Each of 10 students visiting got cleanings, a basic dental exam and — if needed — a referral for additional care. Read more >>>