Bend, Ore.-based Kemple Memorial Children's Dental Clinic announced Feb. 4 that it will shut down July 1.
The nonprofit dental organization has been serving patients since 1998. Volunteer dental professionals and local dentists have provided an average of $725,000 worth of services each year. However, over the past few years, other healthcare organizations have been offering dental services to uninsured and low-income patients.
The Oregon Health Plan, Pacific Source and other dental care organizations have been working to close the gap in dental care. Additionally, the Oregon legislature approved the Cover All Kids program through June 2021. The program allows undocumented children to apply for the Oregon Health Plan for dental and medical coverage.
Kemple Memorial Children's Dental Clinic also cited competition with local medical centers. Mosaic Medical is integrating dental care within its medical clinics. The healthcare organization has opened full service dental clinics in the last few years. The clinics serve patients with and without insurance.
"Nonprofits exist because a need exists. In the case of Kemple Clinic, the gaps we worked to fill over the past 22 years have been closed and our mission has been accomplished," said Suzanne Browning, executive direct of Kemple Memorial Children's Dental Clinic, in a statement.
Kemple Memorial Children's Dental Clinic will still provide cleanings and preventive services for patients who are scheduled to be treated through June. The group will also work to refer patients to other dental care providers.