La Red Health Center has added two dentists to its dental department, expanding access to affordable oral health care across southern Delaware.
One dentist has been assigned to La Red’s Milford office and the other to its Georgetown location, a move aimed at reducing long wait times and improving access for residents in Sussex County.
According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, Delaware is designated as a dental health professional shortage area. The foundation reports that in 2023, only about 5% of the state’s dental care needs were met. Delaware would need to add 97 dentists to remove the shortage designation.
Morgan Kelly, DMD, will treat patients at the Georgetown office. She earned her dental degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. Melanie Snyder, DMD, will practice at the Milford location after completing her education at the University of Virginia and Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine.
Both dentists are accepting new patients. They join Dr. Christine Stinton, La Red’s chief dental officer, Dr. Patricia Flecha, and the broader dental care team. La Red’s dental services are available to all Delaware residents in need of care.
Health officials say the additional staff will help address persistent access challenges in Sussex County, where many residents struggle to find dental practices accepting new patients.
“At La Red, we value providing service and care to all who need it,” said CEO Rachel Hersh. “Adding Dr. Kelly and Dr. Snyder allows more Delawareans to receive treatment and helps close a critical care gap in Sussex County.”
Stinton emphasized the broader impact of routine dental care on overall health.
“Oral health affects your overall health, and untreated conditions can lead to serious consequences,” she said. “Meeting the needs of our community is central to La Red’s mission.”
La Red Health Center serves approximately 15,000 patients annually through its offices in Georgetown, Seaford and Milford. In 2024, the organization provided dental care to nearly 3,000 patients.