Expanded Star Community Health Dental Clinic reopens Friday

The recent expansion of the Star Community Health Dental Clinic in Allentown will increase service to the underserved population who seek treatment there when it reopens Friday. 

The expanded 2,600 square-foot clinic at the Sigal Center, 450 W. Chew St., across from St. Luke’s Sacred Heart Campus, was outfitted with three dental chairs, x-ray and treatment technology and supplies, according to a press release from St. Luke’s University Health Network. 

Dental professionals at the clinic clean and examine teeth, take x-rays, apply sealants, fill cavities and perform restorative procedures. With the added space and chairs, more than 12,000 patient visits can be provided each year, an increase of more than 50%, St. Luke’s said.  

Currently, there is a six-month wait for a new patient to receive care at the clinic because of the demand for services, which are often overlooked due to economic reasons. Patients with insurance are charged for care on a sliding-fee scale or receive it free of charge, depending on their financial ability.  

“People often don’t pay attention to their oral health because of cost, which can lead to tooth decay and pain but also diabetes or heart disease,” said Stacie Cuda, regional dental manager for Star Community Health. “The larger clinic will improve our patients’ access to dental services.”  

Funding to finance this project began with a challenge match from an anonymous donor, St. Luke’s said. 

According to the donor, “Providing health care access for the underserved is an important family tenet for us. All members of our community deserve to live each day to the fullest without concern for their well-being. This is a challenge if basic health care is not available. Oral care provided at the Sigal Center will provide one less concern for its patients who, as a result, will have the opportunity to enjoy a more meaningful life.”  

“All of our generous funders understand just how critical dental care is to the health of individuals of all ages,” said Mohammed Qahash, Star Community Health Dental program director. “With their help to expand our dental space, we’ll be able to accelerate the growth of our dental program and transform the care given to the most underprivileged.”  

In addition to the dental clinic in Allentown, Star Community Health operates six other dental facilities in the Lehigh Valley and three vans that provide services to students across 40 schools in six counties. A $1.5 million capital campaign is under way to raise funds to replace the aging mobile fleet, 

Patients make more than 22,000 annual visits to these community resources. In addition to dental services, Star Community Health at the Sigal Center offers well and sick primary care, OB/GYN and pediatric health services to the surrounding communities and medically underserved.