Ohio University students looking for a cheap, local way to clean their mouths will have the chance to do so thanks to a Graduate Student Senate initiative.
GSS has created a dental plan in conjunction with Athens Dental Depot to offer students a chance to sign up for an affordable health care service. The project began last year under the platform goals and continued during the summer.
“It is really hard to get affordable dental care,” GSS President Tracy Kelly said. “The college offers it, but it is really expensive, and it is geared primarily for faculty and administration and covers more services than students typically need, who just need basic cleaning.”
Athens Dental Depot is located at 80 Columbus Rd., about two miles from Baker University Center. Athens Transit will drop off students who do not have access to transportation.
The package will cost students $230 a year. Coverage starts as soon as students sign the contract and will remain effective for 365 days. It offers, among other services, two oral evaluations, two dental cleanings and X-rays. The coverage plan also offers other discounted services, including a whitening service, which would be reduced from $400 to $150.
“I think it is wonderful for students. It creates an affordable, competitively priced option,” Dean of Students Ryan Lombardi said. “Hopefully, this will serve previously unmet needs. I am glad that GSS used all this leadership to put this together. I think it was necessary and important for students.”
Access to the dental-plan contract is on the dean of students website.
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