Providence, R.I.-based Brown University Health is considering closing its dental clinic as part of cost-cutting measures, The Providence Journal reported July 23.
The health system, which is the largest in the state, is weighing several options to save money amid a challenging financial environment and other investments, according to an internal memo obtained by The Providence Journal.
In addition to closing the Samuels Sinclair Dental Center, the system may also close a behavioral health center, halt various services and cut contracts with certain state programs.
“These are difficult measures, given the vital role these services play. But rising costs — from competitive wages to essential technology and facility investments — require us to plan for different scenarios to preserve our mission,” CEO John Fernandez stated in the memo.
The health system is still evaluating its fiscal year 2026 budget, and no decisions have been formally announced yet.
“Like many health systems across the state and nationwide, we are facing a challenging fiscal environment and are navigating rising operational costs and uncertain public funding,” a spokesperson for the health system told Becker’s. “As part of our annual budget process, we are currently considering difficult decisions across Brown University Health to stabilize our financial position for a sustainable healthcare system. No final determinations have been made.
We understand the concern this has raised, and we will continue to engage transparently with our teams, stakeholders, and the community. Our priority remains protecting our core mission, and we expect to provide more details in the coming weeks.”
The Samuels Sinclair Dental Center was founded in 1931, and is currently the oldest and largest dental provider in the state for people with special needs. The clinic has about 30 staff members and serves about 19,000 patients each year.
In addition impacting patient care, the clinic’s closure would also affect the state’s dental workforce because the clinic is one of just two sites for residencies in the state. Rhode Island also does not currently have a dental school.
