One in every five kids in Charlottesville could be going without dental care they need and it is all about cost. So, one Crozet dentist is on a mission to provide care at a reduced cost. Dr. Jennifer Rice says in these tight economic times, dental care is the first thing that seems to be cut.
For children this can lead to a number of problems down the road. Through her colleagues, she learned about a national reduced fee dental service program, and knew she had to bring it Charlottesville.
It's a reduced fee program, and it comes with a $279 membership fee, which includes what most insurance plans would cover. It includes cleanings, examinations and x-rays for the year. She launched it in her Crozet and Nellysford offices, and says response has been excellent.
"It encourages people who don't have insurance, yes you can do something about it," said Rice.
But even the one flat fee is too much for some. For those people, the dental clinic at the Charlottesville Free Clinic is available.
"Our services have expanded by 1,000 percent, which sounds impressive, but also comes with a waiting list of 439 patients," said Erika Viccellio of the Charlottesville Free Clinic.
The dental staff is made up of 70 caregivers. Except for five, all are volunteers handling a monster caseload.
"We've not ever been able to get below 300 people waiting," said Viccellio.
While Dr. Rice doesn't provide totally free care, she is helping to bridge the gap between those who have insurance and those who don't.
The Virginia Piedmont Dental Clinic in Orange County also provides reduced rates to the uninsured and for those covered by Medicaid, there is no charge for Medicaid covered services. It also says the need is tremendous. Since July 1, it has seen 475 new patients and averages 10 new patients a day.
