In communities all over the world, local leaders are working hard to find ways to make dental care more affordable and accessible to those in need. The Jerusalem Community Health Center, founded in 1986, provides a great example of how a determined leader can help make this goal a reality.
The dental clinic at the center was founded by Esther Porush, a local woman who had personally experienced how Israel’s dental system left many patients out. Dental care for teenagers and adults in the country is only minimally covered by insurance companies so many people go without dental care until their needs are urgent.
“It was her own personal need for quality dental care at an affordable price that led her to realize this was also a need for a large population in Jerusalem,” said Shira Hall, Porush’s daughter. “She herself could not afford high quality professional dental care for her children, and inferior quality care was out of the question.”
Porush undertook the significant work of fundraising and organizing for the center, with a mission to provide much needed dental services to the poor population of Jerusalem. She succeeded, and when the center finally opened she served as its director. Following Porush’s death, Hall took over temporary management of the center, and still works as its public relations director.
High Standards, Low Costs
Today, the non-profit clinic is proud to offer patients the highest standards of treatment, provided by outstanding dentists. Some patients pay a minimal fee, but grants and donations also make it possible for many patients to be treated free of charge.
“We try to find a solution for everyone in every situation, and do our best so that everyone receives treatment – whether via payment in installments, or by finding a donor who will cover the cost of the treatment,” Hall said.
With a staff of 17 dentists and 10 dental assistants, the clinic operates six days per week for more than 65 hours per week. Even with these generous hours, over the past several years the waiting period to see a dentist grew to a length that the clinic found unacceptable. Hall and the team began the work of soliciting donations to build a new treatment room to help meet the demand for care.
A-dec had donated a dental chair to the clinic 20 years ago, which is still in use, and again donated a new A-dec 200 chair with a Traditional Delivery System along with a matching operatory light and doctor’s stool for the new room. Additional donors stepped forward with cabinetry, accessories, an x-ray machine and more to help the center with its expansion.
“Today, thanks to companies like A-dec, the room is in constant operation, making it possible for the center to treat close to 200 more patients each month,” Hall said.
With its new capacity, the clinic can do an even better job of serving its community.
“Patients realize they are receiving the highest quality treatment from the best doctors,” Hall said. “Many of our patients come to us after receiving cheaper, lower quality treatment, and they really appreciate the care they receive from us. They are full of gratitude for the center, and many of them refer their friends to us – a clear sign of their satisfaction.”
Source: Jerusalem Community Health Center