Community Health Programs (CHP) has expanded its dental services in North County with the launch of a new dental and family center in Adams. The new facility, located in the former Adams Internists building on Depot Street, was officially opened on last Wednesday. The celebration included tours of the renovated sections of the building, speeches from key figures, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The new dental center aims to improve access to dental care in the region, complementing the services already provided at the North Adams Family Medical & Dental Center. The Adams location is expected to serve an additional 700 individuals, addressing a critical need for dental services in the area.
This new facility in Adams exemplifies their mission to provide exceptional and compassionate healthcare and family services. The facility features accessible designs to accommodate wheelchairs. Each room includes monitors for displaying X-rays and distracting the youngest patients with cartoons. The facility also includes state-of-the-art equipment, like a panoramic X-ray machine, which enhances diagnostic and treatment capabilities.
The practice will initially staff two dentists and a hygienist, with plans for a third specialist to rotate through. CHP is also collaborating with McCann Technical School's dental assisting program to address workforce shortages.
The new dental office has a waiting list for appointments, but with the arrival of additional staff, wait times are expected to decrease significantly. CHP's inclusive approach ensures that everyone, regardless of insurance status, can access care. The facility offers sliding fee schedules based on income levels and provides assistance with finding other resources for patients in need.
Beyond dental services, the new center also includes family services to assist with connecting to social service agencies, medical and dental referrals, insurance enrollment, and more. The facility features a pantry, clothing, and diaper exchange, and the Food for All program, which offers fresh local food twice a month.
We caught up with Nicole Wilkinson, Director of Dental Services at CHP, to discuss the impact of the new office and future plans:
What kind of impact do you see this office having on the Northern Berkshire Community?
The new office will significantly improve access to care. With locations in both North Adams and Adams, logistical difficulties for patients will be reduced. Additionally, we have added two dentists and three hygienists to our teams in Northern Berkshire County.
What are you most excited about being able to provide?
We're thrilled to offer a comfortable environment that is accessible for all patients to receive care.
How do you plan to engage with the community to promote oral health and ensure that all members, regardless of their financial or insurance status, can access dental services?
We plan to participate in community events and raise awareness about CHP and our services. As a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), we provide care to all patients regardless of their ability to pay, with sliding fee schedules for the uninsured based on income. Our team also helps patients find other necessary resources. We have a mobile dental unit set to start community outreach in early 2025, aiming to provide services at schools and other local venues.
How do you tailor dental care for special populations such as children, the elderly, expectant mothers, and patients with special needs, and what role do you see preventive dentistry playing in overall community health?
Our expansion includes provisions for all community members. Clinical areas are designed to be accessible, with features like monitors in treatment rooms to entertain children. We have rooms that comfortably accommodate patients in wheelchairs. Our providers are trained to address the needs of diverse populations, including those experiencing trauma, individuals on the autism spectrum, and expectant mothers.
The new CHP Adams dental office stands as a testament to the organization's dedication to expanding healthcare access and enhancing the quality of life for residents across Berkshire County.
