A proposed dental clinic in Neillsville will likely see patients from 40 counties when it opens next year.
Most private practice dentists don't accept medical assistance patients. The Family Health Center of Marshfield plans to construct a subsidized facility in Neillsville to cater to those individuals.
Greg Nycz, executive director of FHC says dental health has become a crisis. He says many problems that effect oral health generally impact the rest of our bodies. However, he says many people aren't getting the dental care they need.
The result of patients putting off expensive dental work is often more expensive trips to the emergency rooms. Experience has proven to Nycz that, if you build it, they will come. He says many people are traveling hours to go to clinics that accept medical assistance, because there are not enough dentists in their area who can see them.
The facility should be open by July of next year.
AUDIO: Paul Knoff reports (MP3 1:08)
