DENTAL CLINIC WON'T REQUIRE INSURANCE

Wichita Eagle


Wichita Eagle, The (KS)


July 26, 2006


DENTAL CLINIC WON'T REQUIRE INSURANCE


Author: KAREN SHIDELER, The Wichita Eagle


Edition: main
Section: LOCAL & STATE
Page: 3B


Article Text:


Wichitans without dental insurance have another option for care with the opening of Healthy Options for Kansas Communities' new dental clinic in southeast Wichita.


The clinic, which opened July 17, offers X-rays, fillings, extractions and cleanings. It's at 3620 E. Sunnybrook, in the Planeview neighborhood.


Private insurance, Medicaid and HealthWave are accepted, but Toni Pickard, executive director of Healthy Options, expects that the majority of patients won't have insurance. Those without insurance will pay a sliding fee based on income.


Healthy Options for Kansas Communities began nearly a decade ago as Healthy Options for Planeview, an effort to improve the overall health of the neighbor hood.


"We're absolutely convinced that they value dental care, they need convenie nt and affordable care, and we think they will be able to make payments. They don't want charity," Pickard said.


Patients will know before a visit what the charge will be. They'll be expected to pay at the time of service.


Lourdes Vazquez, a former faculty member of Wichita State University's dental hygiene department, is clinic manager. She speaks English and Spanish and had been helping in Healthy Options programs as a volunteer.


Wichita dentist Charlotte Turner-Williams will be at the clinic two afternoons a week. Pickard said efforts are under way to get additional dentists to help.


Vazquez can do cleanings, X-rays, sealants and fluoride treatments and start treatment plans.


Reach Karen Shideler at 316-268-6674 or kshideler@wichitaeagle.com.


Here are locations and phone numbers of other low-cost dental clinics in Wichita:


-- GraceMed Health Clinic Dental Clinic, 1122 N. Topeka, 316-866-2020. GraceMed's Evergreen Children's Clinic, 2700 N. Woodland, has a dental hygienist on staff; 316-832-1631.


-- Hunter Health Clinic Dental Clinic, 2318 E. Central, 316-269-0677.


-- Sedgwick County Health Department Children's Dental Clinic, 1900 E. Ninth St., 316-660-7317. Only for children referred by their school nurses.


-- Wichita State University Dental Hygiene Clinic, WSU campus, 978-3603.



Healthy Options for Kansas Communities dental clinic


Where: 3620 E. Sunnybrook in Planeview


When: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Wednesdays and Fridays.


How much: Charges are on a sliding fee scale for those without insurance. Private insurance, Medicaid and HealthWave are accepted.


Appointments: Call 316-651-0062.


Copyright (c) 2006 The Wichita Eagle
Record Number: 0607260103