The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center has provided more details about the upcoming closure of its Montefiore dental center, TribLive.com reported March 18.
Susan Manko, a spokesperson for UPMC, confirmed to the news organization March 11 that the medical center is closing the center and transitioning care to the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, saying the move will "ensure that we are meeting patient needs while not duplicating services."
It was previously unclear if the closure, which will take place March 21, would result in job losses or how many patients would be affected.
State Rep. Dan Frankel previously wrote a letter to UPMC officials stating he is concerned the dental school does not have the capacity to absorb all of the center's patients and that there are not enough dentists who accept Medicaid in the state.
Mr. Frankel met with UPMC officials and later said the hospital system confirmed most employees from the dental center have been hired at the University of Pittsburgh dental clinic with equivalent pay and improved benefits.
Ms. Manko also told TribLive that UPMC expects fewer than 2,000 patients will need to transition their care, assuring a "seamless" transition.
Mr. Frankel added that wait times for UPMC patients' initial appointments will last an average of two to three weeks. Follow-up appointments will also be scheduled immediately and will take place within the following weeks.