Gift from Children's Health Board Will Expand Dental Services

• doubling the size of the patient waiting room;
• updating the clinic’s technology, including state-of-the-art imaging and electronic health records;
• providing single-line access from the clinic door to treatment rooms; and
• ensuring adequate space for wheelchairs and walkers.

“These critical enhancements will improve the patient experience and expand access to dental care for underserved children,” said Dr. Erik Scheifele, director of the Dental Clinic. “This grant from the Children’s Health Board will not only improve our facilities, but strengthen our coordinated approach to oral health care. By identifying at-risk patients earlier, we’ll be able to facilitate the right care and improve children’s long-term health.”

Kathy Barker, president of the Children’s Health Board, explained that the board identified the dental clinic as a priority because the grant will improve the experience of physicians, staff, and patient families in a direct way. “The Children’s Health Board takes pride in funding programs that are often overlooked but that provide essential services to children and their families. We look forward to following the construction of the dental clinic and know it wil benefit many families throughout our community. 

Founded in 1866, the Children’s Health Board works with Children’s National Medical Center to advance the health and well-being of children in the community, especially those most in need, through advocacy, education, prevention, and early intervention. Through annual grants, the Children’s Health Board supports promising initiatives at Children’s National – from concussion prevention, immunizations, and congenital heart defect screening in infants – as well as numerous health initiatives through the pediatric community clinics of Children’s National serving those most in need. Over the past 20 years, Children’s Health Board has awarded approximately $5 million in grants to more than 250 Children’s National Medical Center programs. These grants have turned early ideas into proven models that have attracted support from leading investors in improved health outcomes for children nationwide.

You can help the Children’s Health Board support other community programs at Children’s National by getting involved with events like Hoops Madness. For more information, please contact Cristy Heffernan.