Federally Qualified Health Center Seeks to Address the Need for Affordable Dental Care

SAUGERTIES, NEW YORK, USA, January 17, 2019 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Saugerties, NEW YORK – January 17, 2019 – Open Door Family Medical Center, a Federally Qualified Health Center focused on providing medical, dental and behavioral health care to patients regardless of insurance status or ability to pay will open a new dental facility at 16 West Bridge Street in Saugerties, on January 21. People of all ages will have access to affordable dental care with discounted prices offered on a sliding fee scale based on family size and household income.

The unmet need for dental services in Ulster and Greene Counties is significant. Currently there are only 61 dental providers per 100k residents, compared to the New York State average of 71 per 100k residents. According to the Oral Health Care Plan for New York State (NYS Department of Health), Ulster County is among the regions of the state not adequately served. Nationally, the number of Americans lacking dental insurance has reached “crisis proportions,” according to recent reports. Dental services at Open Door Saugerties are focused on preventative care so that oral health issues are addressed in children and adults of all ages, before they become acute.

Dental services in Saugerties will include dental exams and cleanings; digital X-rays; fillings; sealants and fluoride treatments; dentures; extractions; crowns and bridges; select root canals and periodontal treatments. Emergency care same-day appointments will also be available.

“We have a 40 year history of excellent, affordable Dental Care at Open Door and we are honored to be able to expand our footprint to Saugerties and offer more options to the community.” said Lindsay Farrell, President and CEO of Open Door Family Medical Center.

Studies indicate that people without dental insurance are significantly less likely to seek dental care, even as evidence mounts that oral health and overall health are closely linked. Farrell adds, “Oral health is a vital component of overall health in the community and we don’t want cost to be a barrier to care.”

Open Door has been caring for the Hudson Valley region since 1972, and offers comprehensive health care services at its six health centers, as well as seven School-Based Health Centers and two mobile dental vans.

Open Door Saugerties is now accepting new patients. Those wishing to schedule a dental appointment can call 845-ODFMC-4U (845-633-6248), or learn more at www.opendoormedical.org.

About Open Door Family Medical Center
Open Door Family Medical Center provides health care and wellness programs to individuals and families in need throughout Westchester and Putnam Counties. A pioneer Federally Qualified Health Center, Open Door provides more than 300,000 patient visits annually and serves nearly 57,000 individual patients who might not otherwise have access. Open Door offers integrated services and a holistic approach to building healthier communities. Primary medical care, dental care, integrated behavioral health care, clinical nutrition, wellness programs, and chronic disease management are the foundation of its clinical programs. Founded as a free clinic in 1972, Open Door’s mission of building healthier communities through accessible, equitable, culturally competent health care has led to site and service expansions. Today, Open Door operates centers in Brewster, Mamaroneck, Mt. Kisco, Ossining, Port Chester, and Sleepy Hollow, in addition to seven School-Based Health Centers in the Port Chester and Ossining School Districts, a mobile dental van in Mt. Kisco, and a new dental practice in Saugerties, NY. Open Door is accredited by the Joint Commission and is recognized by the National Committee on Quality Assurance as a Patient-Centered Medical Home. Open Door achieves clinical results that consistently surpass national benchmarks for patient outcomes. For additional information, please contact Amy Wolfson, Chief External Relations Officer (914) 502-1416 or online at www.opendoormedical.org.

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