New dental clinic will help thousands
A new dental clinic in Southwest Virginia is expected to help thousands of patients on low and moderate incomes.
The clinic is due to open soon and the finishing touches are currently being made to the facility; the new Saltville Dental Clinic will operate on a sliding scale fee system, which means patients will pay according to how much they can afford.
Congressman Rick Boucher is excited about the new facility and hopes it will act as a template for other clinics in other parts of Virginia. Boucher said the sliding scale fee system is fair and will help to provide care for people who would otherwise struggle to afford dental treatment. All patients will be treated by the clinic and nobody will be turned away; those who cannot afford to pay anything for treatment will receive free care.
The Saltville Dental Clinic is the latest facility in the Southwest Virginia Community Health Systems network, which is expanding all the time. The new clinic, which cost 1.9 million dollars, is expected to cater for around 3,000 patients each year from six surrounding counties.
A shortage of dentists in the area, coupled with moderate and low incomes, means that a large proportion of the local population struggle to afford dental care; recent cuts in Medicaid have also impacted on local people and more people are going without the treatment they need because they cannot find affordable treatment. The new Saltville facility will help to ease pressure on existing dentists and provide local, affordable dental care for residents in the six county region.
The new clinic boasts 15 dental chairs and will also cater for private patients; students from Virginia Commonwealth University, Wytheville Community College and Washington County Skill Center will also work at the facility, which will enable them to gain valuable practical experience and develop their skills.
Join this Discussion
First of all, I think it’s so great that there’s still some “Nice People” in this world, that if any way possible; they will go out of their way to help those in need; Especially when it comes to Dentistry. I just went for my 2nd appt. at The Saltville Dental ClinicThursday, 5/12/11. I haven’t met anyone there so far with a bad attitude, whatsoever. I would like to take at this time; To say “Thank All of You” for what You are doing, and also, “Thank GOD” for giving You the knowledge and interest in what You enjoy doing! Have a Great Weekend! Sincerely,Vickey