Expansion of OSF Dental Clinic in Peoria
PEORIA — OSF HealthCare St. Francis Medical Center is set to enhance dental services for children, thanks to a $2 million boost from the federal government. The expansion of the OSF Dental Clinic aims to address challenges parents face in accessing dental care for their children.
Key Points:
- Cost-Free Services: Families meeting specific financial criteria will receive services at no cost, with charges billed to Medicaid.
- Referral-Based Care: The clinic is currently on a waiting list system, with patients being referred by primary care providers.
- Targeted Age Group: The initiative focuses on children aged 18 and younger, offering a range of services from preventive care to complex dental procedures.
- Increased Capacity: The expansion is expected to increase patient visits by approximately 30%, totaling 13,000 to 14,000 visits annually.
- Project Timeline: The expansion will begin on October 1 and is projected to take about 18 months to complete.
U.S. Senator Dick Durbin visited the clinic to discuss the funding and emphasized the need for accessible quality health care, particularly as Medicaid faces potential federal cuts. He described the expansion as a crucial step towards improving health care accessibility.
The new clinic will be situated at 619 NE Glen Oak Ave, on the main campus of OSF St. Francis in Peoria, while the existing dental clinic continues to serve patients of all ages.
