Christian Clinic To Open First Free Dental Office

A faith-based health clinic is preparing to open a free dental office for the uninsured "working poor," according to its executive director.

Dianna Furr, of A Samaritan's Touch, said that they are converting their break room into a one-chair office that will handle up to 10 patients a week. The office is six to eight weeks away from opening, but she said the volunteer dentists will offer basic care for people who need fillings, tooth-pulling or treatment for gingivitis and other gum infections.

"We're finalizing our preparations for it," Furr said. "We're starting out more basic. Over time we'll see how we can grow."

This will be the first free dental clinic in Highlands County for those earning no more than 200 percent of the federal poverty line that do not have any insurance. The Highlands County Health Department and Central Florida Health Care in Avon Park both lower their fees based on the patient's income.

Furr estimated one in five Highlands County residents could qualify for A Samaritan's Touch's dental services.

Barbara Holth, whose husband Bill is the president-elect of the Greater Highlands County Dental Association, said she believed there is a need for such a clinic in this area, referring to recent Census reports. The most recent study, made in 2004, stated that 13.1 percent of the county lived below the poverty line.

So far, 12 dentists volunteered to help with the new office.

A Samaritan's Touch opened in May 2007 as a free Christian clinic that currently offers prescriptions, eye care, lab tests, X-rays and some other services for the uninsured. The clinic also offers a chaplain and prayer for its patients, but Furr said the "spiritual" help is optional.

"We don't screen on the basis of faith," she said.

A Samaritan's Touch had more than 4,000 patient visits from 633 new patients since opening, she added. The clinic takes donations from Florida Hospital Heartland Medical Center, grants from the Highlands County Hospital District and several local business that also pitch in.

For more information, call the clinic at 471-1870.