CRESTVIEW — Okaloosa is one of Florida’s 57 counties with a shortage of dental health professionals, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
The list represents those who lack access to dental care. Such areas have been called "dental deserts," according to PBS's "Frontline."
Aspen Dental, for its part, is helping to fill Okaloosa's gap in services.
PHOTOS: See 5 photos from the new Aspen Dental location in Crestview >>
Its Crestview office, which opened Sept. 25, provides general dentistry needs including preventive care, restoration and dentures.
So far, business has been steady, staffers said.
“We have been seeing approximately 17 new patients a day,” Dr. Nathaniel Durtschi, lead dentist, said. “Patients are coming from all over … every person I have talked to has come from 30 or 40 minutes away.”
The 2670 S. Ferdon Blvd. office is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays.
In addition to free exams for new patients without dental insurance, Aspen offers payment plans, office manager Miranda Fish, of Baker, said. It also offers a money-back guarantee on dentures, which are produced at each location.
"…So-called dental deserts contribute to a deep disparity in overall health. People who live in these places are more likely to get tooth decay and develop severe health problems. They also spend more money on care, and more time seeking health assistance in an emergency."
Source: PBS's "Frontline"
Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Matthew Brown, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: New dental office adds options among 'dental dessert' (VIDEO, PHOTOS)