Expanding access to dental care in Rhode Island
Proper oral care is essential to prevent cavities, periodontal disease and tooth loss.1 A healthy mouth supports overall health and well-being. Unfortunately, disparities in dental care are prevalent, despite nationwide initiatives designed to improve oral health.2
UnitedHealthcare Dental provided a grant to Wood River Health, a federally qualified health center that serves residents in the southwestern part of Rhode Island and nearby southeastern Connecticut. The funding supported a new, state-of-the-art dental suite located in Block Island Medical Center, a primary care facility located on an island in New Shoreham.
“The facility offers access to one of Rhode Island’s most traveled places in the summer months, where dental access hasn’t always been possible given the geographic location,” said Michael Mueller, vice president of Medicaid Dental Client Management at UnitedHealthcare. “The organizations we partner with recognize that everyone needs care. The alignment in the missions could not have been better for us.”
Since opening earlier this year, Wood River Health has been serving patients from age 2 to 96 years old. Dental insurance is accepted and for those who do not have it, there are discount programs available to make care more affordable.
The new dental suite provides care for adults and children who are part of the local community. Services include dental exams, cleanings, x-rays, fillings and more.
Through this investment and collaboration with community partners, Rhode Island residents have improved access to dental services.
“We work with a handful of great organizations in Rhode Island,” Michael said, “and any opportunity that we get to invest in the community, where our objective of extending access to more people aligns with the mission of the health centers we partner with, it’s a no brainer.”
