By By JONATHAN CLAYBORNE
jonathan@wdnweb.com
Staff Writer
A Washington dental clinic serving low- to moderate-income residents is on the verge of expansion.
Agape Community Health Clinic has received a $900,000 Facilities Improvement Grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, said the Rev. David Moore.
Moore is chief executive officer of Metropolitan Community Health Services, which runs the clinic.
He said the grant will be used to expand Agape’s dental facilities.
“What’s even more important is the fact that we now offer dental services to people who can’t afford it,” Moore said.
Currently, the dental clinic is open from 8 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, said Dr. Dalyn Webb, dental director.
In part, the grant will allow the clinic to hire an additional dentist and install eight more dental chairs, Webb related.
At present, the clinic has two chairs, he said.
Metropolitan is exploring the possibility of opening a dental clinic in Williamston, he said.
Last month, Agape treated about 200 dental patients, Webb related.
“I would look at that to be close to an average month,” he said, adding the clinic has the ability to see 300 dental patients per month.
“Most of our patients are on the sliding fee scale,” Webb said. “We see some dental insurances. Some of our patients do have dental insurance and we do take dental insurance.”
Before the clinic opened, many of its future patients didn’t have the money to get regular teeth cleanings, he confirmed.
“We’ve got a hygienist (on staff) and we’re trying to increase education here,” Webb confirmed. “Through education and regular cleanings and maintenance and things like that, hopefully … we’re able to keep and maintain a lot of the teeth that we have and kind of change the mindset of some of our patients of, ‘Well, if it’s hurting let’s pull it.’ We’re better off keeping our natural teeth.”
Some studies have shown oral hygiene affects the cardiovascular system and that some diseases, such as diabetes, can worsen periodontal disease, he said.
“There’s a big part from dental to medical but also medical to dental,” Webb concluded.
People who are interested in the clinic’s dental services may call 252-946-2622 or e-mail Webb at dwebb@suddenlinkmail.com.