Family Health Centers expanding dental care access in Okanogan County

OMAK - Family Health Centers (FHC) has announced plans to expand its Omak campus at 1003 Koala Drive by adding a new dental clinic. This expansion aims to increase access to oral health care for all residents of Okanogan County.

The new clinic will feature 18 additional dental operatories, bringing four more general dentists to the community. With this expansion, FHC expects to double the number of patients receiving dental care and support, increasing the total number of annual patient visits to approximately 20,000. The increased capacity will significantly reduce the long waiting lists of patients seeking access to oral health care.

Jesus Hernandez, CEO of Family Health Centers, expressed gratitude to the Congressional Delegation and state leaders who helped secure funding for this project. "We are grateful to our Congressional Delegation and state leaders that helped us secure funding to further our mission of 'improving the health of all of our communities' by strengthening our capacity to address a dire need for dental care in Okanogan County," Hernandez stated.

The expanded dental clinic will enable FHC to better meet the oral health needs of the community, particularly for low-income populations. The new facility will also create more jobs and career opportunities in clinical and support services. To attract and retain dentists, the clinic will be equipped with modern tools and technologies, including nitrous oxide for mild to moderate sedation, same-day crown creation, and expanded x-ray services to improve diagnostic and restorative implant services.

The addition of this state-of-the-art dental clinic to the Omak campus will not only improve access to quality oral health care but also contribute to the overall well-being of the Okanogan County community.