North Idaho College’s Dental Hygiene Clinic provided free dental services to children Wednesday morning as part of an ongoing effort to reach underserved families across Kootenai County. The clinic, which operated from 8 a.m. to noon, offered cleanings, X-rays, and examinations to children up to 15 years old at no cost.
The free clinic represents the second such event since NIC partnered with Center for New Directions last year to expand dental access to vulnerable populations in the Coeur d’Alene area and surrounding North Idaho communities. An NIC Foundation grant to Center for New Directions funds the services, which focus on assisting single parents, displaced homemakers, and households classified as ALICE—Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed—families who earn too much to qualify for most assistance programs but struggle to afford basic services.
Students Gain Real-World Experience While Serving the Community
Fifteen dental hygiene students treated patients during Wednesday’s clinic, with each student working with one to two patients. The students are in their final semester of training and have logged approximately one and a half years of hands-on patient care as part of their clinical education at NIC.
Laughlin Drake, associated with the program, emphasized the value of the service: “It’s just an awesome opportunity to help families in need that can’t otherwise receive the care that they deserve.” Angela Brogna added that the clinic model benefits both the community and students, noting, “I like how the students give back to the community.”, as first reported by the Coeur d’Alene Press
Commitment to Ongoing Access and Affordability
NIC’s Dental Hygiene Clinic aims to host at least one free community clinic event each semester, making preventive dental care available to residents of Kootenai County who face financial barriers. Beyond the free clinics, the program offers discounted services year-round—standard adult cleanings with fluoride treatment and exam are available for $35.
A veteran-focused clinic is scheduled for November, continuing the clinic’s strategy of targeting specific populations with critical dental care needs across North Idaho.
How to Access NIC Dental Services
Families interested in the clinic’s services can inquire about upcoming free clinic events or discounted dental hygiene care through North Idaho College. The partnership between NIC and Center for New Directions demonstrates how educational institutions and community nonprofits can collaborate to address healthcare gaps in the Panhandle while providing students with essential clinical training experience.