HEALTHLINK DENTAL CLINIC INC

HealthLink Dental Clinic is dedicated to enhancing the overall health of low-wage earning adults in Bucks and Montgomery counties by providing free dental services and oral health education. Poor oral health can lead to serious health issues, including cardiovascular disease and respiratory infections. The 2019-2021 Community Health Needs Assessment by St. Mary Medical Center identified "access to dental care for adults" as a critical unmet health priority in the region.

Many residents in Pennsylvania, particularly those with low incomes, often forgo necessary healthcare due to financial constraints. HealthLink addresses this gap by offering quality dental services at no cost. Those services include x-rays, exams, basic cleanings, deep cleanings, fillings, root canals, crowns, and oral health education. In 2024, 939 individuals received care through 2,267 procedures valued at $440,646; significant growth over 2023.

Our patients are employed individuals or military veterans with incomes below 250% of the federal poverty guidelines who live in either Bucks or Montgomery County in Pennsylvania. Our patients are mostly the service workers that make up the quiet backbone of our community; the people who serve our food, maintain our properties, care for our children and our homebound elderly. 78% of the patients who come to us for help are between 31-55 years of age and more than 60% are Spanish-speaking.

To qualify for free care, adults must meet certain eligibility requirements:
• One must live in Bucks or Montgomery County, Pennsylvania,
• One must not have dental insurance coverage,
• One must be currently employed (full-time, part-time, or seasonally), have a spouse/domestic partner who is currently employed, or be a military veteran, and,
• One must have an annual household income at or below 250% of Federal Poverty Guidelines.

HealthLink relies on volunteer dentists and dental hygiene students from two local colleges to provide the majority of the dental care at the clinic.