DUBUQUE, Iowa — Crescent Community Health Center is unveiling a nearly $3 million expansion of its dental clinic, aimed at meeting growing community demand and shortening patient wait times.
Dr. Marco Rouman, Chief Dental Officer at Crescent, said the clinic is on track to handle roughly 25,000 dental visits this year, more than double the number recorded in 2023. The surge in demand had previously left new patients facing several months’ wait for appointments.
“We needed more space and more personnel to provide specialty services, particularly in oral surgery,” Rouman said. He explained that the expansion is a response to the community’s growing need for comprehensive dental care.
The renovation increases the clinic’s capacity to 35 dental chairs, a gain of 20 chairs, and expands the dental staff from two to 11 practitioners. With these changes, wait times are expected to drop to just a few weeks.
The clinic has also broadened its range of services. New specialists now offer pediatric, geriatric, and general dental care. Procedures include root canals, wisdom teeth removal, and treatment for chronic oral facial pain.
A Special Needs & Bariatric Dental Suite has been added, featuring a wheelchair-accessible dental chair. “Gone are the days when we had to send patients to Iowa City for advanced procedures,” Rouman said. “All this can now be done here in Dubuque.”
Funding for the expansion and higher operational costs has come from both public and private sources. Notably, the Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation contributed $1.3 million toward the project.
Rouman emphasized that the clinic accepts nearly all types of insurance for its services. For patients without coverage, financial assistance programs are available to lower costs or cover procedures entirely.
“We’re committed to creating a healthier Dubuque,” Rouman said.
The expanded clinic is open for tours Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m., allowing the community to see the new facilities and learn more about the services now available.
This growth reflects a broader trend in the region. As dental care demand rises, clinics like Crescent are investing in both infrastructure and staff to provide timely, high-quality care locally. By offering specialty services in Dubuque, the center hopes to improve access and reduce the need for patients to travel for treatment.
The expanded clinic also aligns with public health goals, targeting better dental outcomes across all age groups and addressing the needs of vulnerable populations. By accommodating patients with special needs and those requiring bariatric care, Crescent demonstrates a commitment to inclusive, patient-centered services.
With the expansion complete, the clinic is positioned to serve a larger segment of the community, ensure faster appointments, and provide comprehensive dental care closer to home.