Augusta Regional Dental Clinic in Fishersville, Va., may have to cut programs as it deals with rising costs, WHSV reported Jan. 31.
Seven notes:
1. Augusta Regional Dental Clinic is a member of the Virginia Association of Free and Charitable Clinics, an organization supporting a network of clinics that provide a variety of healthcare services to underserved communities.
2. VAFCC has seen an increase in patient demand in recent years, with the number of patients served across 63 of its clinics increasing by 19% in 2022, and then another 32% in 2023.
3. The number of uninsured patients being served specifically has also increased by 46%.
4. Augusta Regional Dental Clinic Executive Director Sophie Parson told WHSV that many patients cannot afford private insurance due to inflation and the rising costs of healthcare.
5. The clinic is also facing increased operating costs and a lack of volunteers, which is leading it to consider reducing its program offerings, raising copays and accepting fewer new patients.
6. Virginia State Del. Rodney Willett and Sen. Schuyler VanValkenburg submitted state budget amendments allowing for an additional $4 million in funding to support free clinics.
7. Ms. Parson said that although it is unknown how much VAFCC would receive if the budget amendments pass, additional funding would help the clinic remain sustainable as one of the only free or affordable dental clinics accessible to Augusta County residents.