Woodstock, Va.-based Shenandoah Community Health Clinic plans to temporarily suspend its dental services beginning July 1 due to workforce and financial challenges, The Northern Virginia Daily reported June 29.
Seven notes:
1. The clinic announced earlier this month that it would reduce its dental services to two or three days a week, but an evaluation of its provider availability, patient demand and financial outlook led to the suspension.
2. Leigh Sicina, executive director of the clinic, told The Daily that the suspension will allow the clinic to focus on strengthening its staffing model and creating a financially sustainable program.
3. In February, the clinic had just one volunteer dentist who came in one day a week to treat patients. By June, the clinic only had part-time dentists and a months-long wait time.
4. The clinic also said the discontinuation of tax credits that helped lower Affordable Care Act premiums has added to its financial challenges.
5. The suspension will affect hundreds of patients, but the clinic said it has established referral relationships with nearby dental practices for patients to continue their treatment.
6. The clinic is exploring reassignment options for its dental employees, but noted that changes in hours or positions may be unavoidable.
7. There is currently no timeline for the clinic to resume its dental services.
