| Commissioners dedicate new Worcester County Dental Center |
 |
 |
 |
|
Berlin, Md. (July 19, 2011) -- The County Commissioners along with local and state health officials gathered to dedicate the new Worcester County Dental Center in Berlin.
The dental center, which is operated by the Worcester County Health Department, opened its doors in late March and serves children residing in Worcester County who are under 21, uninsured, from low income families, or participate in the Maryland Healthy Smiles Medicaid program.
“In 2007, an otherwise healthy 12-year-old boy residing with his family in Prince George’s County, lost his life…because he had a toothache, a problem that could have been resolved by early intervention,” Commission President Bud Church said during the dedication ceremony. “But, his family lacked dental insurance. They lacked Medicaid. They lacked access to a health facility offering quality dental care to the most vulnerable in our community. Take away any one of these three factors and that young man might still be alive today to enjoy the summer with his friends and family.” The dental center represents the first fruits of efforts between state and county officials that no child in Worcester County would fall victim to the same fate for lack of access to dental care. “This facility places needed dental care within a maximum traveling distance of 30 miles,” Commissioner Church said. “And, to assure that distance never acts as a deterrent to receiving dental care, transportation for Medical Assistance patients is available from anywhere in Worcester County to this site.” The Worcester County Health Department was awarded a one-time Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s (DHMH) Administration grant of $500,000 to renovate the clinic, a county-owned building formerly home to the Berlin Senior Center. The health department also received a one-year operational grant of $195,000 from the DHMH Office of Oral Health to operate the children’s dental clinic, with the potential to be extended. The Worcester County Dental Center offers full service dentistry including cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants, X-rays and restorative treatments. For more information about the dental center or to make an appointment, please call 410-641-0240. |