WARWICK — The Comprehensive Community Action Program (CCAP) is helping Warwick residents “smile bright” by reopening its dental programs at Buttonwoods this year. The newly renovated Dental Center on Buttonwoods Avenue held its grand reopening earlier this summer. Meanwhile, the Molar Express, CCAP’s school-based pediatric dental program, is set to return to the West Bay for the 2025–26 school year.
The Dental Center, located in the former Wilcox Health Center, sits next to the new CCAP Health Center, creating a convenient healthcare campus. After a seven-month renovation, the Dental Center officially opened in June and is now accepting new patients.
CCAP, celebrating its 65th anniversary this year, focuses on holistic healthcare, according to Tara Pratt, director of Dental, Community Engagement, and Mobile Health. “At CCAP, we try to take care of the whole person. We aim to provide medical, behavioral health, and dental care for overall well-being,” Pratt said.
Pratt acknowledged the community’s growing need for dental services. “For a long time, we just hadn’t been able to fulfill that need,” she said. Two years ago, CCAP moved its health facility into a newly constructed building next door, leaving the old building available for dental renovations. The updated space now allows the organization to better serve local residents.
Christopher Mansfield, CCAP president and CEO, emphasized the importance of the expansion amid nationwide healthcare workforce shortages. “We’re proud to expand our services and welcome new patients into our community,” Mansfield said.
The renovated Dental Center features modern treatment rooms and advanced diagnostic equipment. Combined with the neighboring health center, CCAP now offers a full range of services, including primary care, behavioral health, and dental care.
A Commitment to Fighting Poverty
Pratt expressed concern for low-income families and Medicaid recipients. “We were built to fight the war on poverty, and we will continue moving forward,” she said. “We hope history will not repeat itself when it comes to healthcare access.”
CCAP dental services are federally funded through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). The program also bills insurance for patients with coverage. The Dental Center currently employs two full-time dentists and two full-time hygienists. “There is a shortage of providers, which makes this expansion even more important,” Pratt said.
Molar Express Returns
The Molar Express, CCAP’s mobile pediatric dental program, will resume service with the new school year. Launched in 2007, the program provides dental care to underserved children at schools, Head Start programs, and other community sites.
The mobile initiative partners with the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile, a fully equipped 40-foot dental clinic staffed by experienced professionals. Participating schools facilitate the program, and parents must enroll their children and sign consent forms. Services include cavity fillings, extractions, and other essential dental care.
In 2024 alone, the Molar Express served nearly 1,500 children statewide, 96% of whom were Medicaid-insured or uninsured. All dental insurance plans are accepted, and services are provided free of charge for children without coverage.
With the reopening of the Buttonwoods Dental Center and the return of the Molar Express, CCAP continues its mission to deliver high-quality, affordable, and accessible healthcare to the Warwick community.
