“The gratitude from our patients is incredibly inspiring.”
Founded in August of 2022 – and made possible by collaboration between volunteers, local healthcare providers and key community organizations like Health First Foundation – the program has seen remarkable growth. The most recent event, held in December 2023, served 89 individuals, making it the most successful clinic yet.
“Every event is filled with excitement and warmth,” explained Executive Committee Member Alicia Yaeger-Booth, who has a background in public health and nonprofit leadership. “The gratitude from our patients is incredibly inspiring.”
Filling a Need
Flagstaff’s Dental Days program provides free dental screenings and treatments during its Saturday clinics, which have already become a crucial resource for those in need. Alicia explains this resource is exactly why the program was founded.
“There is a significant gap between the customary need-based determinations of eligibility and actual need, and these clinics address the issues of adult access to dental services, AHCCCS (Medicaid) coverage limitations and income barriers to oral health care,” she said. “In Coconino County, there is just one adult AHCCCS provider, and it is not currently taking new adult patients. Plus, because of the high minimum wage in Flagstaff, a person working minimum wage may not qualify for AHCCCS.”
To ensure that the program is as accessible as possible, Dental Days holds pre-screening sessions on Friday afternoon before each Saturday clinic, allowing patients to be evaluated ahead of time. This makes it easier for those with busy work schedules to take advantage of the service.
Additionally, the team has learned to continuously improve, from refining their registration process to leveraging technology to streamline operations. Yaeger-Booth explains that this growth and opportunity is made possible by support from the Health First Foundation.
“HFF provided us with a little over $82,000 for supplies, equipment, and a trailer, and being able to purchase or rent what we needed helped that event take place,” Yaeger-Booth said. “It’s made a huge difference in our ability to serve more people and expand to new venues.”
A Bright Future
The Dental Days program continues to grow, and the team is committed to reaching more individuals who lack access to dental care. With three successful clinics already under their belt, the team hopes to eventually offer as many as four events per year.
“We’re seeing the same people return to our clinics, which tells us we’re meeting a real need,” said Yaeger-Booth. “The stories people share and the gratitude from returned clients who have no other dental home is unbelievably rewarding.”
As the program continues to serve Flagstaff and the surrounding areas, Yaeger-Booth says the team is dedicated to providing high-quality, compassionate care to every patient who walks through the door.
“Our volunteers are incredible – they’re the ones who make these clinics run. It’s really a community effort, and it’s what makes this program so special. People are eager to help because they care about improving the lives of their neighbors.” QCBN
By Mark Urick
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