Focus on the Eastern Panhandle

How can the fastest growing, most economically stable part of our state be the worst in providing dental services to its community?  The answer is lack of dentists. 

Just ask Dr. Lisa Dunn, Director of Dental Health Programs for West Virginia University’s Health Sciences Center Eastern Division.  She says that according to a 2003 study by the West Virginia Bureau for Public Health more than 10,000 Medicaid-eligible children in Jefferson, Berkeley, and Morgan Counties were without a dental home.  “A community needs approximately one dentist for every 2000 residents in order to adequately serve the community’s dental health needs,” said Dr. Dunn.  Currently only 42 full-time general dentists practice in the Eastern Panhandle for a population of approximately 165,000.  Worse yet, the local dental society estimates that 15-20% of these dentists will retire within 5-10 years. 

Healthy Smiles of the Eastern Panhandle, Inc. is trying to change all that and address the oral health needs of the region.  They have accomplished much over the past 2 years through the leadership of Betty Russell, chairperson; Susan Walter, grant writer; and the collaborative efforts of over 20 members from the three counties who represent all areas including the dental community, WVU Health Sciences Center Eastern Division, Shenandoah Community Health, public schools, DHHR, and Head Start. 

The group investigated models from other communities to find the best way to resolve the issue of oral health care for the uninsured, underinsured, and those that fall between the cracks.

The results have been significant.  First, WVU HSC Eastern Division hired Dr. Dunn.  If you keep up with the ADA Journal, you know the importance of having a dental director to help coordinate and organize efforts between private dental practices, pubic health, and community needs.  Under her guidance the group has established a 4-prong approach to oral health care:

1. Education - both to parents and to children.
2. Mission of Mercy Project – a 2-day free dental clinic to be held in June 2008 where over 80 dentists and another 500 people will volunteer their talent and time to treat approximately 1000 patients.
3. Prevention/Intervention – a preventative dental program for children 1-6 where Dr. Dunn goes to schools, Head Start, DHHR, and other locals to perform exams, cleanings, and fluoride treatments. 
4. Healthy Smiles Dental Center – work is underway to open a Healthy Smiles Dental Center in Martinsburg.  The community is working towards raising approximately $500,000 necessary to open the doors. The center will be operated by E A Hawse Community Health.  Projected opening date is December 2008.

“Amazing things are happening in the Eastern Panhandle,” says Dr. Dunn.  “It seems like at first it was moving so slowly, but now I am really feeling the sense of accomplishment. We are thrilled with how the community has come together to make this much needed change.”