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Nevada Dental Foundation asks district to consider funding $125,000 salary to recruit a full-time dentist for Tonopah
Summary
The Nevada Dental Foundation requested that the Northern Nye County Hospital District consider funding roughly $125,000 to recruit a full-time dentist for the Tonopah Dental Center, and raised the possibility of the district purchasing clinic equipment if the foundation ceases operations.
On March 13, Dr. Mahon, president of the Nevada Dental Foundation, asked the Northern Nye County Hospital District to consider helping fund recruitment of a full-time dentist for the Tonopah Dental Center, estimating a competitive annual salary of about $125,000.
Dr. Mahon said the foundation has sought support from several funders including the Helmsley Charitable Trust, the Delta Dental Foundation, HRSA and the American Dental Association. “Dollars 125,000 is about the competitive rate we’re looking for,” he said, citing discussions with academic and state partners.
The dental clinic currently operates on a very limited schedule, Dr. Mahon and Valeria Romero (the clinic coordinator) told the board. Romero said the clinic now runs about two to three days a month depending on volunteer providers’ availability; Mahon said the community demand exceeds the clinic’s capacity.
Mahon offered that, if the foundation ceased operations, it would likely not remove the dental equipment and that the district could consider purchasing the equipment to support ongoing local dental services. Board members responded positively to exploring options. Trustee Nancy said the district should consider purchasing the equipment to show support; trustees also suggested involving the district attorney to help draft any contracts and discuss legal/operational arrangements.
Trustees did not take action on funding that night but instructed staff and counsel to explore options, including potential district purchase of equipment and contract arrangements to allow a full-time provider to operate in Tonopah.
(Reporting note: Quotations are taken from the board's March 13 recorded meeting. The Nevada Dental Foundation presenters identified themselves as Dr. Mahon (president) and Valeria Romero (clinic coordinator).)
