Ann Arbor, MI — June 17, 2011 — Three groups of dental and dental hygiene students from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry will travel to Traverse City this month and next to provide oral health care during the School’s Summer Migrant Dental Clinic program.  Joining them will be volunteer dentists from the Traverse City area and students in the dental assisting program from Northwest Michigan College.

The first group participates from June 20 through July 1.  The second group works from July 11 through July 15.  The third group will complete the program July 18 through July 22. 

Eight dental students and two dental hygiene students will provide basic services including screenings, oral exams, cleanings, and oral health care instructions at the Northwest Michigan Health Services Clinic, 10767 Traverse Highway in Traverse City.  When necessary, extractions, fillings, and X-rays will also be provided. 

Clinic hours are Monday (noon to 8:30 p.m.), Tuesday (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.), Wednesday and Thursday (noon to 8:30 p.m.), and Friday (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.).  A limited number of appointments are available for patients who qualify for care based on state and federal criteria.  Patients should call the Northwest Michigan Health Services Clinic at (231) 947-0351 for appointment information.

Dental students will be supervised by a retired Traverse City dentist, Dr. Allen Hoeft, and School of Dentistry alumni including Drs. Bill and Therese Shortt (DDS 1987), John Hamerink (DDS 2010), and Lindsey Wurtzel (DDS 2009).  Clinical faculty members from the School will also participate including Drs. Howard Hamerink (DDS 1976), Heba Abuhussein and Bill Piskorowski, director of outreach and community affairs.  Three Traverse City area dentists — Drs. Wayne Olsen (DDS 1981), Daniel Madion (DDS 2001), and Craig Fountain — will volunteer their time and services.