Dental Center sees 534 patients in first six months

The Dental Center began July 1, 2007, at the Hancock County Health Department.

In the past six months, dentist Brenden Moon has completed 4,538 procedures on 534 new patients during 1,650 appointments, according to Jana West, coordinator for the dental service.

The program will expand with the addition of four more treatment rooms and an expanded waiting area, thanks to a $300,000 grant received in November from the Illinois Children's Healthcare Foundation.

“A number of our patients have expressed their appreciation to have a local dentist that accepts Medicaid,” West said. “About 80 percent of the patients are with Medicaid or Kidcare and only 20 percent are private pay.

“We have had other patients say they are glad that they can find affordable dental care. Many of them have gone without dental care for years,” West said. Fees for private pay patients are based on household income, with fees reduced up to 75 percent of usual and customary rates. There is no maximum income.

“The dental center is in the forefront of dental technology with digital radiography and soon will have intra oral cameras in each of our operatories,” West added.

Appointments are taken Monday to Thursday each week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, or for an appointment, call 217/357-2171.