LEWISTON, ID – Snake River Community Clinic launched a dental operatory providing expanded free dental services for the uninsured and under-insured in the region. The remodel began just over a year ago and the new, state-of-the-art equipment recently arrived and was installed.
“The new dental operatory is a beautiful modern space with which the community can be proud,” said Heidi Burford-Bell, Clinic Director. “Patients will at once feel the caring investment and deep commitment to providing access to quality dental services.”
In addition to basic dental care and treatment, the new operatory will provide fillings, extractions, fluoride treatments, routine cleanings, x-rays, consults for crowns and restorations, as well as denture referrals. The clinic’s in-house lab provides blood testing and analysis on-site.
Burford-Bell emphasized, “Improving the oral health of the community with free restorative dental services helps businesses, improves mental health, decreases emergency room visits, and improves health equity in the Lewis Clark Valley and region!”
Delta Dental of Idaho provided funding for the new operatory. Delta Dental of Idaho’s community outreach program invests millions of dollars in valuable programs for kids and seniors to improve and sustain their long-term dental health. Monies from the donation are providing panoramic digital imaging, a DCI Edge Dental Chair with an air/water/suction station, and a sterilization station.
“At Delta Dental of Idaho, we know that access to quality and affordable oral health care is imperative for every community in Idaho to enhance the overall health of our region. We can help make that happen by supporting free community clinics," said Heather Brown, Director of Oral Health and Community Outreach. "We're honored to help the Snake River Community Clinic expand access to much-needed oral health care for residents in Lewiston and across Nez Perce County."
Community dentists, periodontists, and endodontists volunteer their professional services to the clinic that operates three days a week for most of the year. “We rehab people’s mouths to restore aesthetics and their mouths can function,” said Pierce. “It helps reestablish self-image and helps people find jobs.”
The Snake River Community Clinic is a free clinic that provides medical, dental, and behavioral health for the uninsured and under-insured in the Lewis Clark Valley and outlying areas. Professional volunteers and community donors make these services possible.
Twin County United Way contributes toward the operating funds and the Lewis Clark Valley Healthcare Foundation provided a grant to integrate oral health to create a more robust dental program in the valley.
For more information, visit srccfreeclinic.org.