A rare –but much needed– pediatric dentistry office is now open inside Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital. That’s because children in high poverty areas have limited access to dental clinics.
They called it a “floss-cutting” Wednesday by the University of Tennessee Health Science Center.
Organizers hope by opening the clinic inside the hospital parents can group all their appointments together in one day, and at one location.
“It’s a win-win for the college. It’s a win-win for Le Bonheur. It’s a win for the community, because now patients that don’t have access to pediatric care will have access to pediatric care will have it at the hospital,” said Dr. James Ragain, UT Health Science Center Dean College of Dentistry.
The clinic also will focus on educational outreach and research. Officials hope by accepting TennCare plus Medicaid in Mississippi and Arkansas, it will be more accessible.