GREENE COUNTY — A new Five Rivers Greene County Dental Clinic is planned to open summer 2018, thanks to initial funding from the Delta Dental Foundation (DDF).
The DDF’s $50,000 grant to Greene County Public Health will jumpstart the clinic’s expansion project. The Greene County Public Health department’s current safety net dental clinic is 34 years old. Because of its age, all existing dental equipment needs to be updated and more space is needed to accommodate a growing patient base.
Two additional dental suites will be added to the new facility for a total of four dental operatories. The expansion will allow the clinic to schedule patients five days a week and staff expects they will be able to double patients’ visits from 2,000 to 4,000 per year. The DDF funds will be used to equip the dental operatories.
“The additional space will allow the clinic to improve efficiency and increase access for underserved populations. It comes at a time when demand for dental services is on the rise,” said Gina McFarlane, CEO of Five Rivers Health Centers. “We are grateful to the Delta Dental Foundation for this funding since this additional capacity is needed to meet the needs of the community and to improve efficiency.”
The goal of the updated dental clinic is to promote the oral health of the public, reduce treatment costs by improving efficiency and increasing access to care for underserved populations.
Currently, 28 percent of households in Greene County live below 200 percent of the federal poverty line.
“It’s nearly impossible to find a job or focus on the tasks required for daily life when you suffer from poor oral health or tooth pain,” said Teri Battaglieri, Director of the Delta Dental Foundation.
In April 2017, Greene County Public Health transitioned clinic services to Five Rivers Greene County Health Center which is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). The two agencies are co-located at 360 Wilson Drive in Xenia.
The collaboration will allow more Greene County residents to access medical and dental services. The organizations, with similar missions to promote healthy communities and wellness in Greene County will be enhanced with the provision of quality, cost-effective care for patients without regard to their ability to pay.
Care provided at the clinic will include general dental services, such as exams, cleanings, X-rays, fillings and crowns. For more intensive treatment, referrals will be made to Five Rivers Dental Center in Dayton.
The total cost of the project is $223,000. Five Rivers Greene County Dental Clinic is still looking for more donors. To learn more about donating to the expansion project, contact McFarlane at [email protected].
