SMCS plans dental center expansion in Chester

COURTESY
SPRINGFIELD, Vt. — Springfield Medical Care Systems Inc. is moving forward with plans to expand dental services at Chester Health Center located on Route 11 in Chester, Vermont. 

The SMCS Community Health Needs Assessment revealed strong demand for increased dental services, particularly for prevention and care for the underserved, since many lower income residents have limited access to needed dental care.

In response to this need, plans include expanding dental services in Chester with the addition of another dentist and two dental hygienists. To accomplish this, Robert Schwartz, MD, will continue his practice at Rockingham Health Center as of June 1, improving access for his patients to expanded services including walk-in care 7 days a week, and on-site x-ray and lab services.  Gerald Drabyn, MD, moved his practice to Springfield Health Center effective April 2. 

Jean White, LICSW, will move to Rockingham, and Heidi Lowe, LICSW, will offer appointments at Ludlow Health Center, Springfield Health Center and Mountain Valley Health Center in Londonderry, after June 1. All Chester Health Center staff will be employed at other SMCS clinic locations after June 1.

An analysis of patient utilization revealed Chester residents prefer to receive their primary care at other SMCS locations. Convenience is an important consideration in healthcare choice, and currently less than 20 percent of Chester residents are choosing to receive care in Chester. These transition plans respond to patient choice — and allocate resources where they are needed to meet patient demand. All SMCS clinic locations are welcoming new patients and health records will be available at other clinic locations as requested.

“It is our honor to serve the healthcare needs of Chester area residents,” said Tim Ford, Chief Executive Officer of SMCS. “Dental care plays an important role in overall health, and we look forward to continuing our relationship with our patients and with the Town of Chester as we expand services and develop a greatly needed regional center for dental care.”