Dubuque—The Crescent Community Health Center has completed a $3 million expansion, adding specialized dental services to better serve the community and reduce lengthy wait times.
Dr. Marco Rouman, the center’s chief dental officer, said the clinic is seeing approximately 25,000 dental visits this year, more than double the number expected in 2023. Previously, new patients often waited months for appointments.
“We needed more space and more staff, especially in oral surgery,” Dr. Rouman said, noting that growing demand prompted the expansion.
The clinic now has 35 dental chairs (up from 20) and 11 dentists (up from two). Wait times are expected to be reduced to just a few weeks.
The clinic has added specialists in pediatrics, geriatrics, and general dentistry, offering treatments ranging from root canals and wisdom tooth removal to relief for chronic facial pain.
The new facility also includes an office for patients with special needs, including a wheelchair-accessible dental chair.
“Gone are the days when we had to send patients to Iowa City for advanced care,” Luhman said. “Now everything can be done right here.”
The expansion and increased operating costs were funded by millions of dollars in public and private donations, including $1.3 million from the Iowa Delta Dental Foundation. The center accepts nearly all types of insurance and offers financial assistance to uninsured patients.
“We’re working towards a healthier Dubuque,” Luhman said.
The center will host a public tour of the expanded dental facility Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m.
