Clinic upgrades address need for affordable dental care
A growing need for affordable health services is driving uninsured residents around Butler and surrounding counties to the Jean B. Purvis Community Health Center.
There they can receive dental care, including medication, at no charge.
A new computer and operatory, including a new dental chair, were added to the nonprofit clinic on May 1. The equipment will help dental staff meet the increasing need for care at 103 Bonnie Drive.
“Initially, the clinic saw patients ages 19 to 64. And what we’ve learned is that people on both sides need dental care,” said Jim Cunningham, director of development.
With the addition of a second dental room, more patients are able to be seen at once.
“There’s such a need in this area, because we don’t have a lot of dentists that take Medicare insurance, and even the ones who do have long waiting lists,” dental hygienist Lauren Downing said. “Dental care is very expensive.”
