Community Health Center, Inc. Receives $995,000 Grant To Upgrade New London Dental Facility

Article originally published in the Hartford Courant

Community Health Center, Inc. (CHC) announces the receipt of a $995,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for improvements to CHC’s dental clinic at One Shaw’s Cove. The award will significantly enhance the experience of more than 5,000 dental patients annually.

Community Health Center is the only provider of comprehensive dental care in New London to low income, uninsured and publicly insured residents. CHC of New London was established in 1992 in response to requests for help from the city as well as public health, community and state officials. Today, one in four residents of New London receives primary care services from CHC.

Recognizing the dental health needs of the population, in 1995 CHC constructed a full dental suite staffed by two dentists and one hygienist. While regularly updated, the dental program has not had a complete upgrade in 20 years.

Thanks to the HHS grant, CHC will replace equipment and significantly modernize the dental lab. The dental facility will see enhancements to handicap accessibility, including the construction of a ramp and automatic doors, and improvements to the parking lot.

“The HHS grant will transform dental services for our patients in New London and attests to CHC’s deep commitment to the community,” said Yvette Highsmith-Francis, CHC V.P., Eastern Region, who oversees the New London facility.

“CHC has been dedicated to the underserved population of New London for more than twenty years, with the goal of providing world-class primary care to every patient. This grant allows us to continue delivering on our promise to the people of New London by making necessary improvements to our dental facility, ensuring excellent clinical treatment for years to come,” commented Mark Masselli, CHC’s president and CEO.