The dental clinic at the Downtown campus offers students and the general public affordable and preventative dental care. Situated on the fifth floor, the clinic has been in operation for over 40 years, and serves 2,000 clients a year.

The Dental Hygiene program is a two-year vocational degree. At the culmination of studies, students are required to take both a comprehensive written and clinical exam.

In the clinic, dental prophylaxis (cleaning and polishing) is offered, along with preventative x-rays and fluoride, for the affordable fee of $35. Expanded services include oral cancer screenings, nutritional counseling and tooth sealants.

Both first and second year students in the Dental Hygiene program actively treat patients in the clinic and are supervised by licensed hygienists and a clinic dentist. For more complicated procedures, the dentist refers patients back to their office, both for dental work and for further examination.

Tammy Downing is a graduate of the Dental Hygiene and Dental Assisting programs at Madison College, and is now co-director of the program. She has worked in the Dental Program for about 13 years.

“It’s a very affordable option for a lot of people,” she said. “We treat patients from 3-year olds right up to people in their 90s. Any age is welcome.”

In addition to providing low-cost dental services, the clinic also sells toothbrushes, floss and other dental aids.

Downing is enthusiastic about the caliber of the students moving through the program.

“The most positive thing about our program is the quality of the students that we graduate,” she said. They go out into the community and serve in Madison and the nearby surrounding area.”

The Dental Clinic offers cleanings five days a week through the month of May. The hours tend to vary, but both morning and afternoon appointments are available. Interested parties can contact the clinic to request an appointment at (608) 258-2400.