Ind. school unveils renovated dental clinic

Sep 22, 2010

Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne has reopened its Lafayette Street Dental Clinic in downtown Fort Wayne after several months of renovations.

"This is an exciting step forward for our dental education program at IPFW," said Chancellor Michael Wartell at a dedication ceremony September 22. We are able to offer quality service that is in great need to this community ... at prices that are extremely affordable ... all while providing a valuable hands-on learning opportunity to our students."

The Lafayette Street Dental Clinic first opened its doors in the fall of 2006 as a two-chair clinic, offering preventive dental services such as cleanings, fluoride treatments, x-rays, sealants, and whitening products. Recognizing the need for additional services and also educational opportunities, IPFW's College of Health and Human Services worked with the dental community in Fort Wayne to plan and fund the renovations.

With the addition of two more chairs and a dental lab, the learning laboratory now allows IPFW to provide expanded services to the community and involve more students beyond dental hygiene to include dental assisting and dental laboratory students. Dental hygiene students provide oral screening and teeth cleaning. Dental assisting students work as receptionists and business office staff. Dental laboratory technology students clean patient-removable prostheses (partial dentures and dentures) and perform minor repairs. All student work is performed under the supervision of a dentist and licensed dental faculty.

The Lafayette Street Dental Clinic is one of two clinics sponsored by the IPFW Department of Dental Education within the College of Health and Human Services. The second clinic is located on the IPFW campus. Both clinics are open to the public.