February is Dental Health month, but the Benco Dental Clinic helps service the community all year long.

According to timesleader.com, Luzerne County Community College’s Benco Dental Clinic in Nanticoke, Pennsylvania is a state-of-the art facility where, through the year, patients can visit for an intra- and extra- oral exam. This includes: oral cancer, blood pressure screening, and a complete tooth cleaning.

Students provide desensitization procedures such as:

• Application of agents designed to reduce tooth sensitivity associated with gum recession
• Digital X-rays, which use less radiation, are taken based upon patient need
• Topical fluoride treatments that help strengthen teeth and prevent dental decay
• Maintain oral health with toothbrushes, etc.

Members of the community are charged the minimal fees of $5 for children, $15 for adults and $10 for senior citizens. This service can be especially helpful to those without dental insurance.

On Saturday, March 28, the Luzerne County Community College Benco Dental Clinic will host the annual Kids’ Cavity Prevention Day, from 9 a.m. to noon. The program is for children ages three to 16, and will include dental exams, sealants, dental X-rays, oral hygiene instruction, and fluoride treatments. All services and activities are free of charge. Table clinics will be on display providing dental health information for parents and children.

From 9 a.m. to noon on April 11, the clinic will host an oral head and neck cancer screening in conjunction with the Head and Neck Alliance. Oral, head and neck cancer refers to many types of cancers but includes those that arise in the nasal cavity, sinuses, lips, mouth, thyroid glands, salivary glands, throat or larynx (voice box). The American Cancer Society estimates there will be 121,790 new cases of cancer of the oral cavity, pharynx, throat and thyroid, and 14,240 deaths from these cancers in 2015. Cancers of the oropharynx (tonsil and base of tongue) are increasing in incidence, particularly in younger non-smokers, and these cancers alone will account for over 40,000 cases per year in the U.S.

To learn more about this events, visit: https://www.timesleader.com/news/opinion_columns/151992456/THEIR-VIEW-Inexpensive-dental-care-available