NEOMED's Bitonte College of Dentistry welcomes community partners to new dental clinic

Northeast Ohio Medical University’s Bitonte College of Dentistry recently welcomed community partners to an open house at its new Blessed Family Dental Clinic, offering guests an early look at the College’s growing efforts to expand access to affordable oral health care throughout Northeast Ohio.

Representatives from city and county health agencies and other community organizations toured the clinical space and learned more about services that will be offered. The gathering also provided an opportunity to strengthen partnerships with organizations that play an important role in connecting individuals and families with health resources across the region.

The clinic’s first community service will be free head and neck cancer screenings, offered Sept. 1 through Dec. 15, 2026, at the Bitonte College of Dentistry on NEOMED’s Rootstown campus.

During these non-invasive screenings, Bitonte College of Dentistry students will work under the supervision of faculty dentists, gaining valuable clinical experience while providing an important preventive health service to the community. Individuals with findings that warrant additional evaluation will be referred to an appropriate health care resource.

Head and neck cancers can develop in areas including the lips, tongue, gums, cheeks, throat, tonsils and salivary glands. Risk factors include tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and infection with human papillomavirus (HPV). Early detection can significantly improve treatment outcomes.

The screenings represent an important first step for the Bitonte College of Dentistry at NEOMED as it prepares to expand its clinical services and provide affordable dental care to communities across the region.

The free screenings will take place at the Bitonte College of Dentistry, NEOMED, 4209 State Route 44 in Rootstown. To schedule an appointment, call 330.325.6666.

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