Residents in Bradford, New York, will soon have improved access to dental care with the opening of a new clinic at Old City Hall, located at 23 Kennedy St. This initiative, spearheaded by Universal Primary Care (UPC), aims to address the significant dental care shortage in the region, which has left many individuals facing wait lists of several months or even years.
Brett Lawton, Chief Executive Officer of UPC, highlighted the ongoing community need for dental services based on health assessments conducted every three years. “For the past six years, one message has been clear: our community has a significant need for dental care,” he stated. The new clinic will begin seeing patients on February 12, 2024, marking a critical step forward in alleviating the strain on local emergency services for dental issues.
To enhance its reach, UPC has partnered with Pitt-Bradford and Olean General Hospital to launch this facility. The clinic is nearly fully staffed, featuring two dentists, a hygienist, and dental assistants, all prepared to serve the Bradford community and surrounding areas. “We’re proud to offer affordable dental care for everyone, regardless of insurance,” Lawton added, emphasizing UPC’s commitment as a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). This designation allows them to provide services regardless of a patient’s ability to pay, often based on a sliding fee scale.
Training Center to Prepare Future Dental Professionals
Alongside the clinic, a regional training center will be established, offering two educational programs in collaboration with the University of Pittsburgh. The Dental Hygiene Program is a two-year curriculum leading to a bachelor’s degree, while the Dental Assistant Training Program is a nine-month course focused on equipping students with essential skills for private practice. Both programs employ a hybrid format, combining online classroom instruction with clinical training at the regional center, enabling students to remain in their community while pursuing their education.
Dr. Jaehee Williamson, the dental director, emphasized the importance of oral health as part of overall wellness. “We are truly excited to increase access to much-needed dental care,” she said. The initiative aims to promote preventive services and support the long-term health of the community.
Local officials have expressed strong support for the project. Cris Dush, a state senator, remarked, “This project is a stellar example of how we can strengthen our community through collaboration.” Similarly, Martin Causer, a state representative, acknowledged the critical need for high-quality dental services in the region and praised the collaborative efforts to meet this need.
Future Expansion and Community Commitment
The new clinic will remain operational at Old City Hall, while UPC plans to transition its residency and dental hygienist programs to a larger facility at 2 N. Center St., which they have recently acquired. This move will significantly expand the space available for services, increasing UPC’s capacity to meet community healthcare needs.
Lawton noted the organization is actively raising $6.5 million to support this vision. “We’re excited about what’s ahead,” he said, highlighting UPC’s commitment to providing comprehensive healthcare services from birth to end-of-life care.
Mike Austin, Chief Operating Officer of UPC and a lifelong Bradford resident, added, “Having a strong community starts with access to good quality healthcare. We want to ensure this care is available and sustainable for everyone.”
As the clinic prepares for its grand opening, the community is invited to participate in an open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony at 5 p.m. on February 9, 2024. Parking is available in the back lot as well as on Kennedy and Boylston streets. For inquiries, residents can contact the clinic directly at (716) 375-7500.
This initiative represents a significant stride towards enhancing dental care access and training in Bradford, aiming to provide lasting benefits for both residents and future dental professionals.
