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The traditional ceremonial ribbon cutting to officially open the new Columbia County Health District Dental Clinic for business brought many people to the ceremony including Washington State Representative Skyler Rude, R-16. From left to right: Dental Assistant Cheri Dean, Dental Hygenist Randy Nemeth, CCHS Board Chair Bob Hutchens, Director of Clinical Services Kim Emery, Audra Morgan, DDS, and Cheryl Strang, wife of Michael Strang, DDS.
DAYTON–Columbia County Health System has added another health-related service to its arsenal.
A ribbon cutting grand opening of the Columbia County Health System's (CCHS) Family Dental Clinic was held at noon on Wednesday, June 30. Attending was Representative Skyler Rude (R-16-Walla Walla), who helped secure funding to finish the project, with Representative Mike Steele from the Capital Budget Committee.
"A person's oral health impacts their overall health and the quality of life," said CCHS CEO Shane McGuire, whose opening remarks indicated that a team began conceiving the project in 2017 because of the lack of Medicare-based dental care.
"When we reviewed the statistics for our county, 49% of the adult population here had no dentist visits within the previous 12 months and our ratio of dentists to patients is 1,330 to one, which is much higher than the State average," continued McGuire. "Today is an exciting day as our mission is to promote the health and the well-being of the region. The Clinic and our team now have another discipline to help us meet our mission. We'd like to thank the Board of Commissioners with Bob Hutchens, the Chair for supporting this vision."
Hutchens, recognizing the CCHS Board members Colleen Sproul, Jim Kime, Jack Otterson and newly appointed Barb Miller, who were also present, offered some insight and comments about the support and project process.
"Each of these people are dedicated to serving the communities that our Hospital District is serving by supporting policies and affirming investments in our future that serves us now and, in the future," said Hutchens. "I would like to thank our CEO, Shane McGuire, for his hard work and passion on this project and seeing and meeting the needs of our community and for carrying out a portion of the strategic plan of the Hospital District."
Hutchens also acknowledged Blue Room Architecture, Nelson Construction, dental supply and equipment distributer Henry Shein Inc. and the public saying, "This facility was built with tax dollars and the tax dollars that came to Olympia, they actually came home." He continued by sending his appreciation to the CCHS staff for their dedication and support.
Representative Rude also expressed gratitude to the tax payers and spoke of his support of the project. "It seemed like a very worthwhile thing to do," said Rude. "The idea of sharing records and communication between the clinic and dental patients and providers is brilliant. And also, the way that Medicaid pays for services, I think most of us know, don't pay a market rate. This provided an opportunity for Columbia County and Dayton to receive services."
Later when speaking with Director of Clinical Services Kim Emery she expanded on this to say, "I'm sure there is a great need because I have patients that have to go to Yakima, they have to go to Spokane, they have to go all over in order to get Medicaid insurance-covered dental care. And so, knowing that we provide that is so exciting–this little tiny place offers so much, so forward thinking, so wanting to have these kinds of programs."
Following the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, those present were invited to tour the clinic. A firm opening date for services is yet to be set but is expected this month.
