MONROE - The Fowler Memorial Dental Clinic opened its doors at the Green County Health Department in Monroe on April 3, and on Sept. 11 Briana Mendez was the 100th patient to visit the clinic. She was given a power toothbrush by AnnaMaria Bliven, clinic coordinator.
This free dental clinic treats dental emergencies for Green County children, ages 3-12, who do not have access to dental care and whose parents have an income at or below 300 percent of the federal poverty level. In addition, starting Oct. 3, children ages 3-12 without dental emergencies and do not have a dental home and whose parents have an income at or below 300 percent federal poverty level are welcome.
"In the future, we hope to expand treatment to older children and adults who meet our income guidelines, but as we get started, our focus is on younger children," said RoAnn Warden, Green County Health Department director.
The impetus for Fowler Memorial Free Dental Clinic derived from the Green County Healthy Community Coalition Health Needs Assessment, which revealed the continued problem of Green County residents not having access to dental care for the underinsured and uninsured.
To answer this need, the Southwest Community Action Program and the Green County Healthy Communities Coalition joined forces to form the Green County Dental Care Access Project Steering Committee, with the mission of opening a free dental clinic for low-income citizens in Green County. Through contributions and support from many community agencies and individuals, this vision became a reality.
"We are extremely grateful for the generosity of those who gave of their time, energy and resources for this important cause, and we want to especially thank Delta Dental, CG Schmidt, and the family of Dr. Don Fowler for so generously going above and beyond to answer our call for support," said Dr. Julio Rodriguez, Director, Fowler Memorial Dental Clinic.
The Clinic's operating costs are financed by grants, private donations and local fundraising activities. The clinic staff is all volunteer dentists, dental hygienists and dental assistants as well as non-clinical volunteers as interpreters and receptionists.
Fowler Memorial Dental Clinic is currently seeking dentists, dental hygienists and dental assistants to volunteer to their services and help children in need of dental care. Those who would like to volunteer their services or want to learn more about Fowler Memorial Free Dental Clinic can call the Green County Health Department at 328-9404.
This free dental clinic treats dental emergencies for Green County children, ages 3-12, who do not have access to dental care and whose parents have an income at or below 300 percent of the federal poverty level. In addition, starting Oct. 3, children ages 3-12 without dental emergencies and do not have a dental home and whose parents have an income at or below 300 percent federal poverty level are welcome.
"In the future, we hope to expand treatment to older children and adults who meet our income guidelines, but as we get started, our focus is on younger children," said RoAnn Warden, Green County Health Department director.
The impetus for Fowler Memorial Free Dental Clinic derived from the Green County Healthy Community Coalition Health Needs Assessment, which revealed the continued problem of Green County residents not having access to dental care for the underinsured and uninsured.
To answer this need, the Southwest Community Action Program and the Green County Healthy Communities Coalition joined forces to form the Green County Dental Care Access Project Steering Committee, with the mission of opening a free dental clinic for low-income citizens in Green County. Through contributions and support from many community agencies and individuals, this vision became a reality.
"We are extremely grateful for the generosity of those who gave of their time, energy and resources for this important cause, and we want to especially thank Delta Dental, CG Schmidt, and the family of Dr. Don Fowler for so generously going above and beyond to answer our call for support," said Dr. Julio Rodriguez, Director, Fowler Memorial Dental Clinic.
The Clinic's operating costs are financed by grants, private donations and local fundraising activities. The clinic staff is all volunteer dentists, dental hygienists and dental assistants as well as non-clinical volunteers as interpreters and receptionists.
Fowler Memorial Dental Clinic is currently seeking dentists, dental hygienists and dental assistants to volunteer to their services and help children in need of dental care. Those who would like to volunteer their services or want to learn more about Fowler Memorial Free Dental Clinic can call the Green County Health Department at 328-9404.
