Georgian College's dental program offers affordable care and hands-on student learning

Georgian College’s Oral Health Dental Clinic may be one of the best kept secrets in the county.

The dental program offers several courses, including a three-year denturism program, a hands-on approach to learning, and as many 250 patients can be seen every week at a discounted price.

“We are hoping to get the word out really far and wide so people can take advantage of it,” says Lisa Buchanan, Health Wellness and Sciences.

“It helps me out financially in doing it, and I love the fact that they are teaching people to be dentists,” says Marie Comeau of Barrie.

The program is especially useful to people who have no dental or even partial coverage. The students are taught by industry experts who us the latest in technology to help.

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“This one by far supersedes the other programs because you have more of that clinical expertise. So right from your third semester you’re seeing clients, and now we’re in our sixth semester, and it’s pretty much all client-based, so we are pretty much set up for success,” says student Shannan Carlisle.

The students make dentures for the public and offer adjustment repairs.

The program accepts 30 students every year and acceptance is competitive, but there is always a need for patients.

“For people, they could be experiencing anywhere from something that costs thousands of dollars, and you are looking at hundreds of dollars, so it’s a very big cost savings,” says Buchanan.

Marg Pratt of Barrie says the cost savings is a big part but so is helping the future leaders in the dental community.

“The trade off is you spend some of your time here more than going to a regular shop, but you are helping the students, and you get a good deal,” she says.

To take advantage of the program, contact Georgian College directly.