A dental clinic in Chattanooga, Tenn., is closing July 1 because of operational and supply cost increases, according to a May 4 report from chattanoogan.com.
The dental clinic, operated by the Hamilton County Health & Social Services Division, has experienced a 47% increase in operational expenses and a 513% jump in supply costs over the past five years.
The health department recovers 16 cents for every dollar spent on the clinic, with the county covering the difference.
Extra dental supplies from the clinic will be redistributed to the homeless health care center dental clinic and the school-based dental sealant program, which will remain operational through the budget cuts.
The clinic’s equipment, such as dental chairs, may be donated to local organizations that serve similar patient populations, the report said.
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