Dental office on wheels to provide low-cost care

By MARK TODD - Staff Writer - mtodd@starbeacon.com
Star Beacon

July 04, 2009 12:43 am

— By MARK TODD
Staff Writer
mtodd@starbeacon.com
JEFFERSON — A program five years in the making will make low-cost dental care available to many Ashtabula County residents.
Beginning July 13 and continuing through the month, a dental clinic inside a van will make stops around the county to make tooth care more accessible, said Chris Kettunen, director of nursing for the Ashtabula County Health Department. Dentists and hygienists on board will be able to provide a variety of services, from drilling to cleaning and tooth-pulling, she said.
“So many people (in the county) are not getting proper dental care,” Kettunen said. She estimates 1,000 people may benefit from the new service.
The county has been designated as a dental health professional shortage for its low-income population, Kettunen said. Only two dentists in the county are accepting new Medicaid clients, she said.
County health officials have been working five years to arrange dental clinics for county residents, Kettunen said. The program is provided through the Ohio Northeast Health Systems’ federally qualified health care center.
“We’re so grateful,” Kettunen said.
Tooth decay is a common problem among Ashtabula County children, Kettunen said. A screening of third-grade kids in the county revealed more than 35 percent had at least one untreated cavity.
Senior citizens should bring an insurance card or Medicaid card. Customers may also pay $10 for an exam or cleaning and similar, nominal fees for fillings and extractions. The clinic will also serve children and adults.