Aspirus Health Foundation recently announced that it will invest $500,000 over three years to support the expansion of dental services at Noble Community Clinic in Stevens Point.
The funds will be used to equip Noble’s 15 new dental clinics as part of its $18 million dental facility expansion plan to provide more extensive oral health care services to residents of Portage County and surrounding underserved areas.
The funds are a designated gift, specifically authorized by the donor to Aspirus Health Foundation to improve oral health services in the region.
“This gift reflects our deep commitment to improving access to primary care,” said Lanna Scannell, vice president of philanthropy for Aspirus Health System. “We worked with Noble Community Clinic to ensure that the donor’s wishes were respected while ensuring that dental care coverage was expanded.”
The expansion is expected to more than double Noble’s dental service capacity to 15,000 patients per year, with approximately three-quarters of patients receiving dental care.
Currently, approximately 80% of Noble’s dental service population is Medicaid beneficiaries, and the remainder are mostly uninsured or underinsured.
Laura Waldvogel, CEO of Noble Community Clinic, emphasized: “This donation is of great significance to our region. Oral care is one of the most pressing health needs of local residents, and this support will directly advance our mission to provide high-quality dental care to vulnerable populations.”
After the expansion is completed, the clinic will have 21 treatment rooms, imaging diagnostic areas, sterilization areas, and operating rooms designed specifically for children and special needs patients.
These new facilities will significantly improve patient reception capacity and treatment experience, help to provide timely preventive, restorative and emergency dental services, thereby reducing emergency visits due to delayed treatment of oral diseases.
Carrie Penovich, president of Aspirus Health Southeast Division, said: “Our collaboration reflects our shared mission – to heal, promote health and strengthen communities. By supporting Noble with advanced equipment, we are confident that we can bring dignified, compassionate and high-quality dental care to thousands of residents in need.”
This collaboration not only improves the clinic’s infrastructure, but also takes a solid step towards regional health equity.