by Shawn Nowlin
On its surface the basic idea of every city in America having affordable dental care available to all residents seems like it would be a foregone conclusion. At its core the issue is much more complicated. Reports show that nearly” half of adults living in Roanoke have not been to a dentist in over two years.” In many other Virginia areas those percentages are much higher. Whether it is because of a lack of funds or knowledge, the numbers are high and are cause for change.
Two years after relocating to its current Melrose Ave. location, New Horizons Healthcare Center held an open house for its state-of-the-art dental clinic. Similar to its grand opening people had to park on the curb as the parking lot was full of supporters. “New Horizons has had many changes through the years,” said Board Chair Tim Steller. “It’s been over two years since this beautiful facility opened and the plan then was to build facilities for a dental service…even though at the time we had no idea how to bring it to fruition.”
In 2012, New Horizons applied for a federal fund to cover the anticipated clinic expenses and were denied. Over the next two years about two thirds of the necessary funding came from sources as the City of Roanoke, Roanoke Women’s Foundation, United Way of Roanoke Valley and others. An additional 200,000 came from the federal government.
“I don’t think its news to anyone gathered in this room that there is a tremendous need for dental services in our community,” said Eileen Lepro, chief executive officer. “Many people have been working on this issue for many years long before New Horizons started…there were initiatives to expand dental resources to the Roanoke Valley.” Rev. William was on hand to bless the occasion and said a prayer before the official ribbon was cut. Rev. Lee is pastor of Loudon Avenue Christian Church the original site of the birth of the healthcare initiative that launched what was then Kuumba and is now the $-multi-million facility known as New Horizons.
In brief comments, Dr. Richard Newton, dental director said “this area is really fortunate to have this kind of clinic in such a population setting. I would say that this facility is nicer than some of the larger metropolitan area clinics. I consider myself fortunate to be on the ground floor of something this exciting and interesting. In the 6 weeks we’ve been open we’ve seen approximately 200 patients which makes 200 happier people because of the services we provide.”
The facility is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with a full staff that includes: dental assistants, three part time dentists, a registered dental hygienist and a front office staff ready to serve. By June the dental clinic is expected to see 1,200 patients. Most dental insurance plans are accepted and there is a sliding fee for patients who qualify.
