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Renew Sun City
7200 W Bell Rd. Suite 202 Glendale, AZ 85308
623-343-0402
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| Monday | 9 AM - 5 PM |
| Tuesday | 9 AM - 5 PM |
| Wednesday | 9 AM - 5 PM |
| Thursday | 9 AM - 5 PM |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | Closed |
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Dental Implants Near Sun City, AZ
Facing life with a smile is hard when you're missing some or all of your teeth. Dental implants are an advanced, reliable, tooth replacement solution to help you chew better, feel better, and live healthier - all on your terms.
Overview
Our teeth play a major role in our daily lives. We use them to break pieces of food apart so that we can digest meals properly. They allow us to speak and communicate effectively by helping us form sounds and words. From an appearance standpoint, they help define how we smile, express emotion, and interact with people. But our teeth also affect our health. Poor dental hygiene can lead to a range of diseases and other concerns. In essence, our teeth are paramount to our emotional, physical, and social well-being.
It makes sense, then, that life gets harder when some or all of your teeth are missing. Unfortunately, missing teeth is a common issue in the United States. Almost one-third of Americans are missing teeth. In the next 15 years, half a billion Americans will need new pearly whites.
Whether due to genetics, accidents, or neglect, losing your teeth hurts - both emotionally and physically. And, up until now, it was unbelievably expensive to have them replaced.
Fortunately, with Renew's state-of-the-art dental implants Near Sun City, AZ, you can get a new set of teeth easier, faster, and healthier than ever before. The best part? You don't have to spend sports-car levels of money to get the full set of teeth you need.
Renew, Reviewed
Read the reviews of our satisfied Members
I had my first appointment to evaluate the process of replacing a lost tooth. Hannah was a delight to talk with and had a very professional air of assurance for all the necessary steps in the upcoming procedure. The visit was entirely easy snd informative and left me eager for my next visit.
Hannah Olson at Renew Dental for implants was like talking to a friend you haven’t seen in awhile. She made me feel at home right there in her office! The staff was all very helpful and very nice. They listened, which that in itself, is a rare quality! I’m thankful that I went for a consultation. Thank You Renew!!!! Kimmie Amer
What are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a popular option for replacing missing teeth. Unlike some dental clinics that require multiple procedures, Renew's tooth replacement systems require just one surgical appointment. With regular care and professional cleaning from your dentist, your implants can last for the rest of your life.
Dental Implants 101
Dental implants are often the preferred choice for people considering total mouth restoration. Unlike temporary options, dental implants give you a permanent solution for preventing bone loss and renewing your smile. They're created using a small, threaded post that conforms to your jawbone over time. This fusion creates a double-strong anchor that secures your new teeth. Though dentures have a reputation for slipping and sliding in your mouth, dental implants always stay put. If you've been missing out on delicious flavor profiles or the chance to speak confidently, dental implants can be life-changing.
Typical dental implants are made up of three different parts:
Threaded Implant
You can think of this titanium screw as a new root for your teeth. It's anchored to your jaw during dental implant surgery.
Abutment
An abutment is a small connector prosthetic that connects your dental implants and false teeth. You can think of an abutment as the foundation for your new teeth.
Crown
The crown of your new tooth is the visible part that you and others see in your mouth. Crowns are made using gorgeous materials and function just like other healthy teeth in your mouth.
Top Signs You Need Dental Implants Near Sun City, AZ
Dental implants can all but eliminate the need for repetitive dental work and dealing with missing teeth. Since they act like natural teeth roots, they stimulate your jaw, which prevents it from deteriorating. Plus, dental implants are placed with extreme care by experts, so you don't have to worry about damaging any healthy teeth. It's pretty clear that dental implants are great - but when do you need to get them? Here are a few common signs that you may be a good candidate.
One of the top reasons why people choose dental implants is that they're missing several or all of their teeth. Missing teeth can cause issues with self-consciousness and make it difficult to eat in general. Because dental implants replicate your natural teeth, they can help restore confidence and make eating easier and more enjoyable.
Some people who have dentures, partials, or bridges still feel insecure about their smiles. And that's a shame because nobody should be embarrassed by their smile. If you feel that way, know this: You deserve to feel proud about your smile. Fortunately, dental implants can help. Dental implants can take your confidence to a whole new level. Those days and nights you spent refusing to smile for pictures... Forget about them. Better days are ahead when you have dental implants.
When you have missing teeth, it can be hard to indulge in your favorite foods. It seems like you're constantly on edge due to the pain and inconvenience. When you have dentures, you have to avoid a whole range of foods, like grilled meats and more. With dental implants from Renew you can have your steak and (literally) eat it, too.
One of the biggest downfalls of dental solutions like dentures is that they don't stimulate your jawbone. When your jawbone isn't stimulated correctly, you will eventually suffer from bone loss. This bone loss can create a sunken-in facial appearance. Dental implants fuse with your jawbone, providing the much-needed stimulus that prevents this from happening.
If you or someone you know has had dentures, you know that using them and keeping them clean can be a hassle. After eating, you've got to take them out to be cleaned. Sometimes, you've got to apply denture adhesives to keep them in place. For most people, denture care is messy and monotonous. If you're sick of dealing with sticky adhesives and loose dentures in your mouth, you may want to consider dental implants.
What are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
One of the biggest reasons why people choose dental implants is that they look, feel, and work like natural teeth. Dental implants provide several other benefits, including:
Restored Function
If you've lost some or all of your teeth, you're missing out on a slew of functions that make life easier. With dental implants, you benefit from the same functionality as natural teeth.
You can bite into and chew tougher foods that you love, since your bite force is restored.
Dental implants fill in for missing molars, which helps you digest food better.
Dental Implant full mouth restoration options include both fixed removable and non-removable options. In both instances, you can brush just as you would with your natural teeth. With fixed removable solutions, the teeth can come out for extra cleaning and snap right back in. With fixed non-removable options, the teeth stay put and can not be removed, other than by a dental professional for deep cleaning.
Reliability
Dental implants eliminate one of the biggest concerns that denture-wearers have: their teeth slipping out of their mouth accidentally in public. Unlike dentures, implants are placed securely in your jaw. That means you can eat, talk, smile, and laugh without having to be nervous.
Lifetime Use
Some dental solutions for missing teeth only last for a few years. When cared for properly, dental implants can last for the rest of your life. Dental implants Near Sun City, AZ from Renew can cost up to 60% less than other dental implant options and come with a Lifetime Guarantee, making them an outstanding value.
Jaw Strength
When there are gaps in the jawbone due to missing teeth, the bone in those areas can start to weaken from lack of stimulation. If the empty space isn't addressed quickly, the bone can lose up to 25% of its volume and will continue to deteriorate over time. Dental implants stimulate your jaw again, which strengthens your jawbone and prevents it from deteriorating.
Avoid a Sunken-In Face
When your jawbone starts to deteriorate, the lower third part of your face can begin to sag or look sunken in due to bone loss. Because dental implants integrate with your jawbone and stimulate it daily, you can avoid a sunken facial appearance.
One Affordable Cost
Renew has transformed our members' lives with quality dental implants at prices far below the national average. That's because we believe smiles should be accessible to all. Renew doctors examine the oral health of every new patient who walks through our doors. We then develop a customized dental implant treatment plan to meet their needs. This allows our experts to provide pricing that is upfront, fixed, and affordable. No hidden costs, ever.
We're able to provide outstanding value on your new teeth because we pass our savings along to you. Here's how:
- Quick, Digital Processes
- Lifetime Savings Guarantee
- Better Negotiated Lender Rates
Renew is so committed to bringing back your smile that we created the Renew Patient Financing Program. When you sign up, you can find low monthly payment options with higher approval rates. Bad credit? No problem. Renew works with you to build a plan that's right for you and your budget.
Talk and Eat Comfortably
When it comes to replacing missing teeth, dental implants are often considered the "gold standard" solution. That's because they feel, function, and look like actual teeth. Because they replicate natural teeth, you can feast on your favorite foods. You can talk to strangers with confidence. Perhaps most importantly, you can flash that beautiful smile again without feeling embarrassed. Unlike Renew's full mouth reconstruction, traditional dentures limit your food choices, have to be replaced, and are generally more difficult to wear.
What is Full-Mouth Restoration?
A full mouth restoration, as the name suggests, involves rebuilding or replacing every tooth in your mouth. This procedure combines elements of dentistry and cosmetic surgery to restore both the function and structure of your teeth.
Your teeth are responsible for more than making your smile unique. They help you eat and communicate, too. When you lose your teeth, life changes. It's just that simple. Factors like poor dental care or mouth injuries can cause partial or complete tooth loss. In such situations, a dentist's goal is to restore your oral health and bring back your smile. At Renew, we do full dental replacements. They're not for everyone, but for those who need them, they're a great solution. But what does full mouth reconstruction entail? Let's dig in and find out.
A full-mouth reconstruction - also called a total or full-mouth restoration begins with extracting any remaining teeth before restoration can begin. If you have many missing teeth or your teeth are severely damaged or worn down, you may want to consider this procedure.
You may also want to think about full mouth restoration if you have specific dental conditions. For instance, amelogenesis, a disorder that causes teeth to develop in unusual shapes, and ectodermal dysplasia, which affects both skin and teeth, may require comprehensive reconstruction as you get older.
Dental implants can fully restore your mouth without needing to rely on dentures or bridges. As we covered above, dental implants consist of a titanium post that is implanted into your jawbone. As the process of osseointegration progresses, the surrounding wound heals, firmly anchoring the post in place. Teeth are attached to the implants, restoring both the appearance and function.
Did you know that one-tenth of people in the United States are missing all of their teeth? One of the most common reasons for missing teeth is tooth decay, a problem that affects many individuals, not just those who have lost teeth. While some of us may have had more dental fillings than others, we all continually battle against tooth decay.
Bacteria naturally inhabit our mouths, and when they feast on the sugars and starches from our food, they produce an acid that can harm our teeth. This acid gradually erodes the protective layer known as enamel. Once the enamel is compromised, the inner structures of our teeth can begin to decay. Keep an eye out for these signs of tooth decay:
- Pain or Dull Aches
- Sensitivity to Cold and Hot Temperatures
- Sensitivity to Sweet Drinks and Foods
- Pain
- Swelling
- Fever
- Infection
When left untreated, tooth decay can rot your teeth and cause them to fall out. Along with tooth decay, be aware of these additional risk factors that cause your teeth to fall out.
Gum Disease
Gum disease and tooth loss often go hand-in-hand. Gum disease is a bacterial infection of the gums that can result in serious health problems. If the infection progresses, it can damage the bone that supports your teeth, potentially leading to tooth loss. You might notice swelling or redness in your gums, but often, the condition isn't painful, which means you might have it without even realizing it. If left untreated, gum disease can not only cause your teeth to fall out but also allow the infection to spread to other areas of your body.
A big cause of gum disease is from plaque accumulating on your teeth. Other factors that increase the likelihood of gum disease include:
- Frequent Alcohol Consumption
- Using Tobacco Products
- Clenching or Grinding Your Teeth
- Genetics
- Poor Nutrition
- Diabetes
- Autoimmune Conditions and Diseases
Tooth Injuries
Losing your teeth due to an injury is a fairly common occurrence, especially for MMA fighters and boxers. But you don't have to be a combat sports athlete to lose your teeth. It can happen due to an injury, car accidents, accidents at work, or just getting hit in the face with a ball really hard, it doesn't take that much force to damage teeth and ruin someone's smile.
Missing teeth impact your oral health, but they also take a toll on your emotional and mental well-being. Ask yourself these questions:
- Do you always turn down social gathering invitations?
- Do you make it a point not to smile in photos?
- Do you think you need to cover your mouth when you laugh to avoid embarrassment?
Renew's full mouth restoration can be the solution you've been searching for.
Steps of a Dental Implant Procedure
Have you ever wondered what's involved in a dental implant procedure and how long it takes? In the past, dental implant procedures were often considered long and painful. Today, dental implant surgeries are streamlined and tailored to your unique dental needs. At Renew, you can have new dental implants with a single surgery.
No, we're not pulling your leg. All it takes is one surgical appointment to get dental implants that feel, look, and function like natural teeth. By fixing your teeth on the same day as your surgery, treatment and recovery times are reduced. When your implant procedure is finished and you're fully healed, the sparkling-white teeth of your dreams become a reality. That crispy, juicy apple that's been calling your name? Go ahead and dig in. It's time to savor the flavor of life.
To help you make a more informed decision about dental implants Near Sun City, AZ, let's explore more about the treatment process.
Free Consultation and 3-D CAT Scan
Having your teeth replaced involves an initial consultation with our experienced Dental Team and Education Consultant. You'll receive a free 3-D CAT Scan, which will allow our doctors to see your mouth in three dimensions. We develop your custom treatment plan using this advanced technology. During your free consultation, our dental implant experts will meet with you to talk about your needs. We'll also chat about any concerns you have. Once we determine you're a great candidate for Renew, we can schedule your single-day surgery.
Dental Implant Procedure Day
The day you've been waiting for is finally here. Renew's dental implant procedure should only take a few hours. Once we're ready, our doctors use advanced surgical guides and scans to meticulously place your implants. Once your implants are placed, we attach new teeth. This allows you to speak, eat, and smile with confidence as you heal. And, since this is a medical procedure, IV sedation is used to keep you as comfortable as possible.
Time to Heal
Once your procedure is over, it's time to heal. We'll provide you with helpful information on how to manage pain, should you experience any soreness. Healing varies from person to person, but you should expect some mild discomfort and swelling.
Restoration
Four months after surgery, you receive a set of permanent, strong teeth that are attached and fixed for the non-removable option, or teeth that snap securely in place for the removable tooth replacement option.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
You want your teeth to stay fresh and clean as time goes by. That's why the last stage of your dental implant procedure is maintenance. By practicing good oral hygiene and attending regular dental check-ups, the smile of your dreams can last a lifetime.
How to Care for Your Dental Implants Near Sun City, AZ
Dental implants are one of the most popular restoration options for people who have lost several teeth or have had to have many teeth extracted. They've got an incredible long-term success rate, but to keep them looking and feeling like your natural teeth, you've got to care for them like your natural teeth. Here are a few tips on how to do just that.
Make Regular Appointments with Your Dentist
If there's one takeaway you should focus on in this list, it's that regular dentist appointments are key to dental implant longevity. Just like your natural teeth, dental implants benefit from routine cleanings. Regular appointments allow your dentist to catch any early signs of implant issues, enabling timely intervention if needed. Additionally, your hygienist will skillfully remove any plaque that accumulates around your gums, which is crucial for reducing the risk of implant infections.
Don't Smoke
It should go without saying that smoking tobacco products is one of the worst things you can do to your body. It can lead to cancer and many other diseases and conditions. But smoking can also inhibit healing after a dental implant procedure. Plus, it can darken your new teeth and cause yellow stains. If you smoke cigarettes, cigars, or other forms of smokable tobacco, you should stop before and after your procedure. For the best long-term results, you should quit smoking altogether.
Brush Your Dental Implants
As mentioned previously, taking care of your implants is just as crucial as maintaining your natural teeth. That means you should be brushing at least twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush. When brushing, it's best to use a low-abrasive toothpaste that offers tartar control. If you're unsure what brand to buy, your dentist can provide recommendations that sync with your budget and preferences.
Watch What You Eat
Speaking of food, one of the biggest perks of getting a full-mouth restoration with dental implants is that you can drink and eat almost anything your new teeth can tolerate.
Be Alert and Listen to Your Body
Staying vigilant is one of the best ways to prevent implant failure. It's important to recognize the common signs that something might be wrong and to seek treatment as soon as you notice any issues. Early intervention can often save your implants. Don't hesitate to reach out for dental care if you experience pain or swelling around your implants.
Don't Ignore Aftercare Instructions
After your dental implant procedure, you'll receive a detailed list of aftercare instructions to facilitate a smooth recovery. Follow these guidelines closely for as long as your doctor advises. Sticking to these recovery instructions can significantly reduce the risk of early implant failure due to improper healing.
Put Your Smile in Renew's Hands
Renew was founded with one goal in mind: To make beautiful, strong teeth accessible to all. So, along with a team of scientists and doctors, Founder Dr. Don Miloni developed a new way to do teeth. Over 100 million dollars have been invested in crafting strong, hardy, healthy teeth. To date, we are backed by over 80 patents. We've achieved a shorter surgery time, which means a faster recovery. And we have changed countless of people's mouths (and lives). All for a fraction of traditional costs. Because everyone deserves to smile. It's the reason we get up every single day.
At this point, we know you may have questions. It would be our pleasure to help answer them. If there's one thing you can count on, it's that our team is here for you when you need us most. From our customer service team to our experienced staff of doctors and expert technicians, you can expect comprehensive care along every step of your dental implant journey. Contact Renew today. After your free consultation, you can look forward to a better tomorrow.
Latest News in Sun City, AZ
Sun City couple builds nonprofit to help Arizona heal
The Daily Independent at YourValley.nethttps://www.yourvalley.net/sun-city-independent/stories/sun-city-couple-builds-nonprofit-to-help-arizona-heal,570538
Submitted photo/Doing Grief Community Healing ProjectShea Darian and Andrew Darian, founders of Doing Grief Community Healing Project, will present workshops at Banner Olive Branch Senior Center in Sun City.Posted Saturday, March 22, 2025 5:00 am Shea and Andrew Darian are founders of “Doing Grief,” a new Arizona nonprofit based in Sun City that provides programs and services for those experiencing any loss that causes grief–death, broken relationships, trauma, illness, disability, social or politica...
Submitted photo/Doing Grief Community Healing Project
Shea Darian and Andrew Darian, founders of Doing Grief Community Healing Project, will present workshops at Banner Olive Branch Senior Center in Sun City.
Posted Saturday, March 22, 2025 5:00 am
Shea and Andrew Darian are founders of “Doing Grief,” a new Arizona nonprofit based in Sun City that provides programs and services for those experiencing any loss that causes grief–death, broken relationships, trauma, illness, disability, social or political brokenness, aging and more.
Banner Olive Branch Senior Center in Sun City, 13049 N. 103rd Ave., hosts Doing Grief programs for those in the Northwest Valley where Andrew Darian, Waldorf school educator and board president for Doing Grief, will teach a wet-on-wet watercolor workshop, Playing with Color! 12:30 p.m. Thursday, March 27. Spots are limited and registration is required.
Shea Darian, author of “Doing Grief in Real Life: A Soulful Guide to Navigate Loss, Death & Change” and creator of the theoretical “Model of Adaptive Grieving Dynamics,” will offer a grief education workshop — “Mourning Light Café: Grieving and Healing YOUR Way” — noon Tuesday, April 1.
In March 2023, the Darians started Doing Grief Community Healing Project in Sun City to help address local mental health support needs among the elder population due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Incidences of grief, loneliness, hopelessness and isolation spiked significantly during and after the pandemic.
“Sometimes it isn’t easy to acknowledge your grief or seek out help when you’re grieving, especially when your grief comes from unexpected places in your life,” stated Andrew Darian. “The healing project gives people a way to connect with others and not feel so alone.”
The Community Healing Project is part of a Phoenix metro-wide effort to provide healing arts, grief education, small group grief support and spiritual enrichment programs to grievers, caregivers and care providers who work with grievers. Additional onsite locations include Desert Palm United Church of Christ in Tempe and First Church–UCC in central Phoenix. Those of all faiths and philosophies, or none are welcome.
“Arizona is listed at the bottom of the heap in the state ratings for access to mental health care,” Shea Darian explained. “So when we started the healing project, we started close to home at onsite locations where people can gather in person, build meaningful relationships and an ongoing sense of community.”
Email Connect@DoingGrief.org or call Banner Olive Branch Senior Center at 623-465-6000 for registration. A suggested donation of $5-10 can be given online at DoingGrief.org or at the door. All are welcome regardless of an ability to pay.
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Keywords
Sun City, grief, support, healing
Sun City West: Arizona Church Celebrates On-Site Solar Project
Rod Waltonhttps://www.energytech.com/distributed-energy/news/55271029/sun-city-west-arizona-church-celebrates-on-site-solar-project
Ecclesiastes tells us there is nothing new under the sun.A church congregation in southern Arizona, however, has managed to utilize the sun’s blessings in a unique way for them.Desert Garden United Church of Christ partnered with RE-volv to bring in 114 solar panels for a 47-kW on-site project. The distributed energy resource can help the church save about $14,000 annually on electric bills and avoid the carbon emissions equivalent of 300 cars on the road.“Our decision to go solar represents our commitment to...
Ecclesiastes tells us there is nothing new under the sun.
A church congregation in southern Arizona, however, has managed to utilize the sun’s blessings in a unique way for them.
Desert Garden United Church of Christ partnered with RE-volv to bring in 114 solar panels for a 47-kW on-site project. The distributed energy resource can help the church save about $14,000 annually on electric bills and avoid the carbon emissions equivalent of 300 cars on the road.
“Our decision to go solar represents our commitment to preserving and protecting God’s beautiful creation through being good stewards of our environment and community," said Pastor Bill Utke of Desert Garden UCC in a statement. "We’re honored to serve as an example for Arizona congregations and nonprofits, showcasing the benefits of solar energy and the ease of transitioning with zero-down financing options, like RE-volv’s, and federal solar tax incentives.”
The yearly energy bill savings will help the church contribute more to the community. Desert Garden UCC contributes about $25,00 annually toward community good, including initiatives supporting at-risk youth and helping homeless seniors find housing.
Maryland Church Welcomes 2.5-MW Solar: More in EnergyTech
The event inaugurating Desert Garden UCC’s solar array included Capital Energy, which installed the project, and RE-volv, which provided financing. Also attending were Solar United Neighbors, Arizona Alliance for Retired Americans and Arizona Interfaith Power & Light.
The verse about the sun in Ecclesiastes begins with "what has been done will be done again." Local renewable energy supporters hope so.
“With its year-round abundance of sun, Arizona could be the solar capital of the country,” said Arizona State Sen. Lauren Kuby. “This investment at Desert Garden United Church of Christ represents proactive movement toward a clean energy future. And they are not alone. Places of worship across the State are modeling how solar is good for our communities and our wallets.”
Sun City West is an unincorporated community in Maricopa County close to Phoenix. As of 2023 Arizona ranked fifth nationally among states in installed solar energy capacity.
Louisiana Church installs Microgrid in Wake of Hurricane
About the Author
For EnergyTech editorial inquiries, please contact Managing Editor Rod Walton at rwalton@endeavorb2b.com.
Rod Walton has spent 15 years covering the energy industry as a newspaper and trade journalist. He formerly was energy writer and business editor at the Tulsa World. Later, he spent six years covering the electricity power sector for Pennwell and Clarion Events. He joined Endeavor and EnergyTech in November 2021.
Walton earned his Bachelors degree in journalism from the University of Oklahoma. His career stops include the Moore American, Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise, Wagoner Tribune and Tulsa World.
EnergyTech is focused on the mission critical and large-scale energy users and their sustainability and resiliency goals. These include the commercial and industrial sectors, as well as the military, universities, data centers and microgrids. The C&I sectors together account for close to 30 percent of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S.
He was named Managing Editor for Microgrid Knowledge and EnergyTech starting July 1, 2023
Many large-scale energy users such as Fortune 500 companies, and mission-critical users such as military bases, universities, healthcare facilities, public safety and data centers, shifting their energy priorities to reach net-zero carbon goals within the coming decades. These include plans for renewable energy power purchase agreements, but also on-site resiliency projects such as microgrids, combined heat and power, rooftop solar, energy storage, digitalization and building efficiency upgrades.
Field trips can help curb chronic absenteeism in Arizona schools
The Daily Independent at YourValley.nethttps://www.yourvalley.net/sun-city-west-independent/stories/field-trips-help-curb-chronic-absenteeism-in-arizona-schools,566205
By Dr. Beth Maloney, Ed.D., NBCT | Act OneI was an Arizona teacher for more than 20 years and I loved my time in the classroom. Absenteeism was a problem then and it is still an issue today. Chronic absenteeism is defined by the state as a student missing 10% of the school year or more.Chronic absence rates among Arizona students are alarmingly high. According to Still Missing Too Much School, 29% of Arizona public school students in grades one through eight were chronically absent during the 2022-23 school year. That is more t...
By Dr. Beth Maloney, Ed.D., NBCT | Act One
I was an Arizona teacher for more than 20 years and I loved my time in the classroom. Absenteeism was a problem then and it is still an issue today. Chronic absenteeism is defined by the state as a student missing 10% of the school year or more.
Chronic absence rates among Arizona students are alarmingly high. According to Still Missing Too Much School, 29% of Arizona public school students in grades one through eight were chronically absent during the 2022-23 school year. That is more than double the pre-pandemic rate.
High rates of absence have significant consequences for teaching, learning and student achievement. It is associated with real problems for students including poor learning outcomes, increased absences in later grades, higher dropout rates and harmful impacts on school culture.
With large class sizes, rigorous learning objectives and pacing guides, it is virtually impossible for a student to catch up on lost instructional time. This is especially true when students miss more than a day here and there. Missing school also impacts classroom culture. It is hard to be part of a group when you frequently miss group experiences.
Research also shows that students from some groups experience disproportionately higher rates of chronic absences than other groups. These groups include the economically disadvantaged, students in Title I schools, students with disabilities, students of color and non-English language learners.
These findings highlight challenges in re-engaging students and families to attend school. It will take a concerted effort between the state, local districts, teachers, community charitable organizations, families and students to tackle the issue.
The good news is that one solution to this challenge already exists, and it engages both families and students. It is field trips.
Reflecting on my years of teaching in a high-stakes testing environment, I know students are much more likely to be absent on a standardized test day than on a day with something exciting scheduled like an outing to a museum or live performance.
Research consistently highlights the importance of arts education in youth development, particularly for students from underserved communities. Studies show that access to the arts enhances cognitive skills, improves academic performance and fosters emotional and social growth.
Act One, an Arizona-based charitable organization, is doing its part to help make field trips accessible for the most vulnerable student population. The organization collaborates with cultural institutions to offer field trips with experiential activities such as backstage tours, Q&A sessions and hands-on learning opportunities to provide the maximum impact for students.
There is also a virtual reality arts field trip that can be experienced in classrooms. These curated experiences align with classroom curricula to ensure a well-rounded education — all at no cost to Title I schools.
How do field trips help curb absenteeism? If students are excited to go to school for things like art education and field trips, absence rates decrease. And the more these students are in the classroom experiencing positive learning opportunities the more likely they are to keep coming back day after day.
Candace Greene, an art teacher in Phoenix’s Alhambra School District, recently reflected on the fact that she was able to take 168 kids to a museum thanks to Act One. Every student showed up that day because they were excited about the experience — including the chronically absent. Field trips are amazing tools to help increase student attendance. There’s no better way to learn than through an experience and that is what field trips provide.
Arts and culture field trips give students something to look forward to and create an experience that can last a lifetime. Field trips are a great way to make a dent in the issue of chronic absenteeism in Arizona.
Editor’s note: Dr. Beth Maloney, 2014 Arizona Teacher of the Year, is executive director of Act One, a statewide nonprofit dedicated to providing meaningful arts experiences for students. Please send your comments to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.
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Keywords
absenteeism, chronic absenteeism, education, students, Title I, Act One, field trips, arts and culture, arts education
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