Residents of Bradford, New York, now have access to improved dental care with the opening of a new clinic at Old City Hall, located at 23 Kennedy St. This initiative aims to address a significant healthcare gap in the area, where patients have previously faced wait times for dental appointments of months or even years. The clinic officially opens its doors to patients on Monday, marking a critical step towards enhancing local dental services.
Brett Lawton, Chief Executive Officer of Universal Primary Care (UPC), highlighted the persistent need for dental care in the community. “Every three years, UPC conducts a health needs assessment for our service area, and for the past six years one message has been clear: our community has a significant need for dental care,” he stated. To counter this issue, UPC has partnered with Pitt-Bradford and Olean General Hospital to establish the new clinic.
The clinic, a key component of UPC’s 2022-25 strategic plan, will provide services regardless of patients’ insurance status. This is particularly important for those with Medicaid or no dental insurance, who often have limited options for emergency dental care. “We’re proud to offer affordable dental care for everyone, regardless of insurance — or no insurance at all,” Lawton noted. The clinic is staffed with two dentists, a hygienist, and dental assistants, all equipped to serve the local population.
Training Center to Support Future Dental Professionals
In addition to direct patient care, the new facility will house a training center affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh. This center will offer two educational programs aimed at increasing the number of dental professionals in the region. The Dental Hygiene Program, a two-year course culminating in a bachelor’s degree, and the nine-month Dental Assistant Training Program will both enable local residents to enter the dental workforce without the need to relocate.
Dr. Jaehee Williamson, the dental director at UPC, emphasized the importance of oral health in overall well-being. “Oral health is an integral part of overall health and quality of life. We are truly excited to increase access to much-needed dental care,” he said. The training programs will feature a hybrid format, combining online classroom instruction with clinical training at the regional center, making them accessible to students in the community.
State Senator Cris Dush praised the collaboration behind the project, stating, “This project is a stellar example of how we can strengthen our community through collaboration.” Similarly, State Representative Martin Causer recognized the critical need for high-quality dental services in the region and commended the partners involved. “The lack of high-quality dental services is a critical issue for the region, and this Regional Training Center will go a long way toward filling that gap,” he remarked.
Future Plans for Expanded Services
The clinic will continue to operate at Old City Hall while UPC prepares to transition its residency and dental hygienist programs to a newly purchased facility. Located at 2 N. Center St., this site will significantly increase the available space for UPC’s services, tripling their capacity. “We’re actively raising $6.5 million to make this vision a reality,” Lawton stated.
The new site will not only host dental training programs but will also expand UPC’s service offerings, which cater to patients from birth to end of life. Mike Austin, UPC’s Chief Operating Officer and a lifelong Bradford resident, expressed his commitment to addressing the community’s healthcare needs. “Having a strong community starts with having access to good, quality healthcare,” he said.
An open house and ribbon cutting ceremony for the clinic will take place at 17:00 on February 9. Community members are encouraged to attend and learn more about the services available. For inquiries, the clinic can be reached at (716) 375-7500.
With these initiatives, UPC is poised to play a pivotal role in enhancing the health and well-being of Bradford residents, providing essential dental care and fostering the next generation of dental professionals.
