Through the program, patients initially will be referred to Catholic Charities by a physician, dentist, or by self-referral. Catholic Charities will verify program eligibility prior to a dental voucher being issued. The dental voucher will cover expenses related to an initial exam and X-ray by a dentist, followed by a tooth extraction if necessary. Patients will be allowed two dental exams, for evaluation of tooth pain, and one tooth extraction each year.

This program was developed as a result of the community health needs assessment St. Anthony’s conducted in 2011 in partnership with the Alliance for a Healthier Effingham County and Jasper Steering Committee. After evaluating and prioritizing survey results, the Alliance identified access to health care services as one of the top identified needs. Survey results related to oral health and access to dental care indicated 27 percent of Effingham County respondents had not visited a dentist within the past year. Those at lower income levels were less likely to report having seen a dentist in the last year.

Organizers say the new program, which began on April 1, facilitates access to appropriate care and provides relief for patients from the burden of paying for emergency, dental and oral surgery services when they cannot afford to do so.

To find out more about the dental voucher program, contact Catholic Charities at (217) 857-1458. For more information about St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital, visit St. Anthony’s website at stanthonyshospital.org.