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Wayne County explores reopening dental clinic to serve Medicaid and underserved patients
Summary
Public Health Deputy Director Kerry VanAuken told the Health & Medical Services Committee the county is researching reopening a former dental clinic, noting it would require a Certificate of Need and a director; officials said the goal is to serve underserved patients, not compete with private dentists.
Kerry VanAuken, deputy director of Wayne County Public Health, said the department is researching what would be required to reopen the former dental clinic in the public health building and will return with additional information next month. "Reopening the clinic would require a Certificate of Need and the appointment of a director, among other steps," she said.
Supervisor Dave Fantuzzo reopened discussion of the clinic — which the department has considered in prior meetings — and emphasized the need to balance startup costs against community access. VanAuken said the intent of reopening is "not to compete with local dentists, but rather to serve underserved populations, such as Medicaid patients." The committee did not vote on a plan at the meeting; staff were asked to provide further cost estimates and regulatory steps at the June 1 meeting.
