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Driven by a shared commitment to increase access to healthcare for people who are most vulnerable, Ascension Wisconsin and Outreach Community Health Centers (OCHC) are expanding dental services on Milwaukee’s North Side. Through this new agreement, Ascension Seton Dental Clinic professionals will provide preventive, restorative and urgent care dental services to children and adults at various OCHC clinics and community locations throughout Milwaukee County.
“We know that dental health is closely related to a person’s overall health,” explained Reginald Newson, Chief Advocacy Officer, Ascension Wisconsin. “Ascension Wisconsin and Outreach Community Health Centers have worked together to reduce barriers to healthcare for more than 20 years. With this expansion of services, we have a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate how a health system and Federally Qualified Health Center can work together to improve access to dental care.”
The program launched at OCHC’s Capitol Drive Clinic, 210 W. Capitol Drive, earlier this month. Dental hygienists are located in a lower-level exam room on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.. Services available include screenings, dental cleaning, sealants, fluoride and patient education for new and existing patients. Every Wednesday during the same hours, Ascension Wisconsin’s Seton Mobile Dental Clinic is onsite to provide a full range of restorative dental services, including x-rays, fillings and extractions.
According to the 2018 Milwaukee County Community Health Needs Assessment, 15 percent of households had insufficient dental access, and 34 percent of those households reported cost as a reason for delaying dental care. “Through this agreement, we can offer much-needed dental services to our clients and the communities we continue to serve,” said Connie Palmer, Chief Executive Officer, Outreach Community Health Centers.
In the last two weeks, more than 20 people have received essential dental care. Program leaders hope to serve an additional 90 patients by December 31, 2020.
To schedule an appointment, patients should call 414-727-6320. COVID-19 safety measures will be in place, including staggered appointment times to reduce the number of patients in a waiting room. All patients and providers are screened upon entry to the facility for COVID-19. Masks/face coverings are required.
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