Access to affordable dental care is a significant public health problem in the Chicago area. In the past five years, the city of Chicago has closed all of its dental clinics. According to a report conducted by the Chicago Dental Society in 2011, there is one clinic for every 11,400 Medicaid enrollees in Chicago.
Dental care has not fared better at the county level either. In 2000, the Cook County Department of Public Health served nearly 12,000 dental patients. In 2007, the county closed half of its dental clinics, resulting in fewer than 5,000 patients being seen in 2009.
The CDSF Dental Clinic serves residents of Cook, Lake, and DuPage counties. Patients must have proof of residency. They must be unable to get insurance, and they must show proof of income no greater than 200% of the poverty level. The clinic manager will work closely with the health department’s referral programs and urgent care clinics to serve eligible patients.
Licensed volunteer dentists and hygienists will provide basic primary dental care aimed at alleviating pain and restoring oral health, with a holistic approach to oral health education.
Treatment will be provided and cultural sensitivity in a clinical setting. Services include oral examinations, teeth cleaning, interoral and panoramic X-rays, basic restorations, and carefully evaluated extractions.
The Chicago Dental Society Foundation also operates a website where people can find locations of free or low-cost dental clinics at http://www.cds.org/Clinics/.
For more information, visit http://community.pennwelldentalgroup.com.
