BROOKINGS, Ore. – Residents across Curry County and Southwest Oregon are seeing a significant expansion in available oral healthcare services with the recent opening of a new dental clinic in the coastal community of Brookings. Equity Dental, a dentist-owned company with nine locations across Oregon, commenced operations in Brookings in October 2024, marking a pivotal moment in years of dedicated effort to enhance access to timely, quality dental care in the region.
The opening of Equity Dental is particularly impactful for Brookings, a town home to nearly 6,700 residents, and the wider Curry County area, which has historically faced challenges in providing adequate access to dental services. The new clinic offers a crucial local option for individuals and families who previously encountered obstacles, including long travel distances or limited appointment availability, when seeking necessary dental treatment.
Addressing a Critical Healthcare Need
For many years, access to comprehensive dental care has been a pronounced challenge in rural and coastal parts of Oregon. Geographic isolation, coupled with a shortage of providers willing to accept certain types of insurance, particularly public health plans, has created significant barriers for residents. These challenges can lead to delayed treatment, exacerbating oral health issues and potentially impacting overall well-being.
The establishment of Equity Dental in Brookings directly addresses this pressing need. Its presence not only adds a provider to the local landscape but also expands the types of payment options accepted, making care more accessible to a broader segment of the population. The clinic’s opening is a tangible outcome of strategic initiatives aimed at bridging these healthcare access gaps in underserved areas of the state.
Years of Collaborative Effort
The path to establishing Equity Dental in Brookings was not a swift one; it represents the culmination of over five years of focused work and collaboration between key stakeholders. The Oregon Health Authority (OHA), the state agency responsible for public health, and AllCare Health, a coordinated care organization serving Southern Oregon, were central to this sustained effort. Their partnership was instrumental in identifying the critical need in Curry County and developing strategies to attract and support a new dental provider.
This long-term commitment underscores the complexity of expanding healthcare infrastructure in rural settings, often requiring intricate planning, resource allocation, and coordination across multiple public and private entities. The dedication of these organizations highlights a broader state-level push to ensure equitable access to essential health services, regardless of where Oregonians reside.
Funding and Support
A crucial element in the success of this initiative was securing the necessary financial support. The project received a substantial $243,000 grant from the OHA Oral Health Workforce Grant Program. This state program is specifically designed to bolster the dental workforce and improve access to oral health services in underserved areas across Oregon.
The funding for the OHA Oral Health Workforce Grant Program originates, in part, from a program administered by the U.S. Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA). This federal support channeled through state-level programs demonstrates a multi-tiered approach to addressing healthcare disparities, recognizing that federal resources can empower states to implement targeted solutions based on local needs and conditions.
Key partners were vital in leveraging this funding and navigating the complexities of establishing the clinic. Dave Gilmore, the former interim chief operating officer at Coast Community Health, played a significant role in the foundational work and coordination needed on the ground in Brookings. AllCare Health’s contributions extended beyond planning; they were instrumental in securing a contract with ODS Community Dental. This contract is particularly significant as it enables Equity Dental to serve patients covered by Medicaid, a critical step in expanding access for low-income individuals and families in the area.
Integration and Immediate Impact
Strategically located for community convenience, Equity Dental is situated within the building that currently houses the Coast Community Health Center. This co-location offers potential benefits for patients, allowing for easier coordination of care between dental and primary health services. Notably, Coast Community Health Center is soon to be known as Adapt Integrated Health Center, reflecting an evolving model of comprehensive health service delivery.
Since opening its doors in October 2024, Equity Dental has rapidly become an important part of the local healthcare landscape. The clinic has already served over 750 patients, a clear indication of the high demand and immediate positive impact it has had on the community’s access to oral care. This rapid uptake demonstrates the depth of the need that existed prior to the clinic’s arrival.
With the opening of Equity Dental, Brookings now has two clinics that accept Medicaid insurance, a significant improvement over previous availability. In addition to Medicaid, Equity Dental also accepts private insurance plans and cash payments, offering flexibility for patients with various coverage options. Dr. Pete Lahti serves as the presiding dentist at the new Brookings location, leading the clinical team.
Broader Implications for Rural Healthcare
The successful establishment of Equity Dental in Brookings serves as a promising model for addressing healthcare access challenges in other rural and underserved communities across Oregon and potentially beyond. It illustrates how collaboration between state health authorities, regional health organizations, and private providers, supported by dedicated funding streams, can lead to tangible improvements in healthcare delivery.
This development is more than just the opening of a single clinic; it represents a step forward in the ongoing effort to create more equitable healthcare systems. By increasing the availability of dental services, communities like Brookings can expect improvements in overall public health outcomes, as oral health is intrinsically linked to systemic health. The project highlights the importance of targeted investments and long-term strategic planning in building resilient healthcare infrastructure in areas where the market alone may not adequately meet community needs.
Looking ahead, the continued success of clinics like Equity Dental will likely inform future policy and funding decisions related to healthcare workforce development and access initiatives in rural areas. The positive reception and high patient volume observed since October 2024 suggest that the need was significant and the response has been effective.
In conclusion, the opening of Equity Dental in Brookings is a notable achievement resulting from persistent effort and strategic partnership. It signifies a vital expansion of dental care options for residents of Brookings and Curry County, offering improved access, crucial services, and contributing positively to the health and well-being of the Southern Oregon coastal community.
