Dental Program Expansion Complete

With the addition of a second dentist last year and completion of dental suite renovations in January, Children’s Hospital’s Pediatric Dental Program is now equipped to double patient volume. The renovated dental area is the final phase of a strategic initiative to expand the program and enhance treatment space for both routine and specialized pediatric dental services.

“We were prompted to improve the Dental Program because of the increasing demand for services,” said Sharon Darby, Vice President, Clinical Operations and Chief Nursing Officer.

The program serves children from birth to age 21 and provides comprehensive dental services ranging from standard pediatric practices like regular checkups, cleanings and x-rays to complex procedures such as full mouth rehabilitation in the operating room setting. Working with patients with dental anxiety and patients with special needs who may need sedation for cleanings and other routine care are areas of specialization. Prior to the program’s expansion, approximately 1,600 patients were treated each year. This year, the program expects to treat 3,600 patients.

Renovations focused on redesigning the dental space to accommodate the two-dentist practice of Elizabeth Bortell, DDS, Director of Pediatric Dentistry, and Deepa Simon, DDS. Improvements include additional capacity with new chairs equipped and designed for children as well as space for additional treatment chairs, refurbishment of the dental lab, and a new reception, checkout and treatment area designed for improved flow and patient accessibility. The addition of a second private “quiet room” allows more patients to receive care in a less stressful environment.

“These rooms are designed to decrease noise and are easily accessible in hopes the child will have a positive experience allowing for treatment and education with an emphasis on setting the stage for better oral hygiene,” Sharon explained.

The Dental Program’s expansion was made possible by the generosity of many donors. In addition, a portion of the funding from the Virginia Health Care Foundation allowed Dental Program staff to visit two local elementary schools in February as part of Dental Health Month to discuss the importance of oral hygiene and health. More than 100 students took part in the program and received information about how to receive dental services through the hospital’s Dental Program.

The information on this site is provided for informational and educational purposes only; it does not contain specific medical advice. If you have specific health questions or problems, consult a health care professional for personal medical advice.