New dental clinic opens in Hilmar

Livingston Community Health has opened its first dental clinic in Hilmar, expanding access to dental care in the area.

The dental clinic is at 7970 Lander Ave., next door to Livingston Community Health’s medical clinic in Hilmar.

The dental clinic opened its doors to the general public during a soft opening Monday. Livingston Community Health officials said they opted for a slow rollout, taking only a small group of patients initially, to help the new staff adjust and because there’s still some construction taking place at the site.

Livingston Community Health officials plan an official ribbon-cutting ceremony during the summer. But those interested in dental services can start scheduling appointments now.

Karissa Moreno, the chief operating officer at Livingston Community Health, said the Hilmar dental clinic will serve patients regardless of their ability to pay.

In addition to insurance, the dental clinic will take Denti-Cal, Medi-Cal’s dental program, and will offer fee arrangements to those who qualify. Moreno said services primarily target the uninsured and low-income residents. This group of people, she said, usually avoids dental services because they can’t afford out-of-pocket costs.

The dental clinic has an enrollment counselor on-site who can help those who qualify sign up for health insurance. Moreno said that once insured, patients tend to seek more preventive care.

Dr. Remya Niranjan is the Hilmar clinic’s only dentist at this time. Niranjan, who is originally from San Francisco and previously worked in Gustine, said she decided to continue her work in a rural community because of the need for such services by the area’s underserved population.

“There’s a lot more need (for services) here,” Niranjan said. “A lot of places don’t take (Denti-Cal) and some people have to wait months for an appointment.”

Moreno said the dental clinic is looking for a second dentist to help Niranjan with patient flow.

“It’s important to hire the right fit,” Moreno said. “Someone committed to working in rural communities.”

Niranjan said she is currently focusing on preventive and restorative services, and can see about eight to 10 patients per day. Once the dental clinic is up to full speed, she expects to add more invasive and extensive dentistry and see up to 22 patients per provider, per day.

The dental clinic also has space for urgent walk-ins.

In addition to Niranjan, the dental team consists of three dental assistants, one registered dental assistant and two receptionists – all new hires.

The clinic also is looking for a dental billing specialist and office manager.

Moreno said Livingston Community Health’s next goal is to build a similar dental clinic at its Livingston site. The nonprofit health system would need to seek grants to make this happen, she explained.

For more information or to schedule an appointment at the new dental clinic in Hilmar, call (209) 262-1816.

This story was originally published May 6, 2015 at 2:41 PM with the headline "New dental clinic opens in Hilmar."