Free dental exams at Hempfield Towers targets at-risk seniors

Greensburg area senior citizens can take advantage of a free dental clinic Tuesday at Hempfield Towers, a residence for senior citizens.

The dental clinic from 8 am to 5 pm by United Concordia Dental will consist of exams, cleanings, fluoride treatments and oral cancer screenings, according to Highmark Wholecare, which is sponsoring the clinic in partnership with the Westmoreland County Housing Authority.

Hempfield Towers is at 2500 S. Grande Blvd. in Hempfield.

The dental clinic is part of a statewide mobile health and wellness tour that is being conducted through Highmark Wholecare.

The clinic is targeting seniors because 70% of adults 65 and older have some form of periodontal disease, according to statistics from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In the wake of job losses during the pandemic, and now the rising inflation costs, many people lack dental insurance or simply cannot afford a visit, Highmark said.