MCH opens dental clinic Facility to serve low-income residents

Officials said Medical Center Hospital's new Family Health Dental Clinic will fill both cavities and the need for dental services for low-income people in Odessa.

More than 50 people gathered Tuesday afternoon for an open house at the facility.

The dental clinic opens officially Tuesday inside the Family Health Clinic, 840 W. Clements Ave, -- Medical Center Hospital's chief executive officer Bill Webster said that's been a long time coming.

"This clinic has been dreamed of for many, many years," he said. "It's nice to see it come to fruition."

Webster pointed out that a need for a dental clinic serving low-income residents has been necessary in the Odessa community for years.

Virgil Trower, Ector County Hospital District board president, said the new Family Health Dental Clinic helps fill that need.

"Services are offered on a sliding scale, so there's no reason why everyone in Odessa can't get dental care," Trower said.

Fees for dental services will be on a sliding scale, depending on the patient's income -- the idea is to enable lower- income families to seek proper dental care for their families.

Dr. Robert Stanaland, a Rankin native who recently graduated from the University of Texas dental school in San Antonio, will serve in the three-seat facility.

"We're open to provide affordable service for children and adults," Dorothy Reyes, Family Health Center director, said.

Webster noted that funding for the $500,000 facility came from three places. In March, hospital board approved a resolution to accept $219,250 in state grant funds. The district also allotted another $200,000 to the facility. Finally, the Junior League of Odessa donated $25,000 to decorate the clinic.

That money went toward artwork, as well as pastel paints on the walls that match the wooden floor.

"Without them, this would have just been a bare facility," Webster said. "But, it's beautiful."