St. Luke's and Charles Chrin Partner to Open Community Dental Center in Easton - Focus on Pediatric Care
Bethlehem, PA (7/21/2009) - Children and adults in the Easton area have more to smile about when it comes to obtaining affordable dental care. St. Luke's Hospital & Health Network offers comprehensive dental services, including pediatric dentistry, at the new Charles Chrin Dental Center located at 100 N. 3rd Street, Floor 2 in Easton. Through the generosity of local businessman and philanthropist Mr. Charles Chrin, the construction costs of the new facility were donated.
From routine cleanings and fillings, to root canals and emergency procedures, the Chrin Dental Center offers lower-income patients treatment locally and at little to no cost. Ralph Civjan, DDS, a board certified pediatric dentist, is available to treat children. Medical Assistance and state-funded insurance plans are accepted in addition to many private insurers.
According to St. Luke's director of Community Health, Bonnie Coyle, MD, the need for accessible dental care in Easton was evident. “We would bring our mobile dental van, HealthStar II, to the schools and realized how many young kids had big dental issues. We knew that this was the place for a community dental center.”
The Chrin Dental Center joins the Dental Clinic at St. Luke's Union Station, which has been serving residents of Bethlehem since 2004.
“Our patients at St. Luke's Union Station benefit greatly from the care we are able to provide,” states dental director Daniel Boden, DMD. “I am very excited about the opportunity to offer the same services in another community.”
In addition to Chrin's contribution, St. Luke's also received grant funds for the project from Highmark Foundation as well as the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services HRSA (Health Resources and Services Administration) Grant. The Highmark Foundation, an affiliate of Highmark, Inc., is a charitable organization and a private foundation that supports initiatives and programs aimed at improving community health.
“The Highmark Foundation is proud to support St. Luke's Hospital & Health Network's commitment to making dental care more accessible to those most in need,” said Yvonne Cook, president of the Highmark Foundation. “The ultimate goal is to significantly improve patient care by meeting the oral health and dental needs of the underserved in Easton.”
The Chrin Dental Center is open Monday through Thursday from 8 am to 5 pm. For appointments, call 610-419-7330.
