FLAGSTAFF—–Following a thorough review and input from community stakeholders, the Coconino County Public Health Services District (CCPHSD) will continue to offer dental clinic services for the public.
The CCPHSD Dental Clinic offers a host of services including, dental cleanings, exams, fluoride treatments and extractions for primarily low-income residents. Another key component of the program is dental preventative education and outreach to teach area school children the importance of proper dental hygiene.
Earlier this year, as part of the County’s strategic budget process, the County began evaluating and prioritizing all public programs to determine how to best utilize taxpayer funding. These evaluations were done to determine whether there was a duplication of services and to study whether the County could partner with an outside agency or group to deliver services.
The CCPHSD Dental Clinic received the same evaluation, which included a community questionnaire, the review of health data and meetings with the dental community, including local dentists and key stakeholders.
“The information gathered revealed that direct-care services are critical to low-income individuals where the availability of these needed services is limited,” said CCPHSD Interim Chief Health Officer Kimbal Babcock. “The findings indicated that discontinuing direct dental services would result in negative health effects and more expensive needs in the future for low-income and uninsured individuals. By continuing to utilize the clinic, we are also renewing our commitment to serve our residents who are in most need of these critical programs.”
Based on the program’s review, the County opted to continue utilizing the clinic and its dental prevention and outreach programs. However, the CCPHSD will continue to find efficiencies to ensure taxpayer funding is used most-effectively.
The Dental Clinic is located at 304 S. Humphries Street in Flagstaff and can be reached at 928-679-7825. For more information on the clinic and services offered, and eligibility requirements please visit the CCPHSD webpage at www.coconino.az.gov/health.