Community Health Center adding new Dental Center

The Community Health Centers of South Central Texas Inc. has announced the addition of Dr. James B. Quartey, dental director, to the Gonzales Community Health Center location.

While dental services will be available to all, the Gonzales Community Dental Center initially will be scheduling appointments according to dental emergencies, children and prevention, pregnant women and prevention, diabetic patients and prevention and all others.

Dental services will be offered for everyone regardless of ability to pay. However, the traditional sliding scale is not used but rather deep discounts will be offered to those who qualify. Additionally, dental insurance and those wishing to pay out of pocket are welcomed.

The Gonzales Community Dental Center has a staff of five to include customer services/appointment, dental assistants, hygienist and dentist. There are three full-service operatories with new state-of-the-art equipment, electronic medical records and electronic digital imaging.

"We know that it may not always be a pleasurable experience, but with the modern technology that is being offered, along with the warm and caring staff, the goal will be to take the anxiety and fear that some may have when going to the dentist," a Health Center spokesperson said.

The design of the dental suite was incorporated into the new Health Center design and construction phases in consultation with local dentists and Dr. Linda Althenoff of the Texas Department of Health.

Quartey received his undergraduate degree from Alderson-Broaddus College in West Virginia and his doctor of dental surgery degree from West Virginia University in 1993. In 1996 he went on to complete postgraduate studies and receive a master's degree in public health at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and then completed his residency in dental public health at the University of Texas-Houston, Dental Branch.

Quartey has published professional works in the Texas Dentistry Journal, Journal of Dental Child and The Dentistry Journal. Among the honors Quartey has received are the President's Leadership Award, National Minority Collegiate Award and Who's Who in American Colleges.

Quartey has served as an assistant professor at the University of Texas-Houston, Dental Branch, was a public health dentist in Pago Pago, American Samoa, and functioned as the dental director of the Galveston County Health District. More recently, he provided service as the supervising dentist in the South Austin Community Health Center in Austin.

Quartey is married to Melody Ofori and they have three children.

Sherry Hill, chief executive officer, said: "We are so very pleased that Dr. Quartey has chosen our community in which to continue his practice of dentistry. We welcome his experience and spirit. We believe that good dental health is a vital part of good physical health and assists the workforce in maintaining better than average employment attendance."

Dr. Stephen Thomas, medical director, said: "Individuals with chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension often fail to see the importance of oral health management and sometimes neglect their dental needs. I am pleased to have the talents and exceptional experience Dr. Quartey and his staff bring to the center. Together, they will assist in the management of our patients with chronic conditions by integrating oral health issues into the delivery of primary care services."

Quartey said he has a passion to make a difference in the lives of those in his community to reduce inequalities of dental access and to improve oral health services for children, adolescents and adults.

For more information about how to schedule a dental appointment, call 672-7211 and ask for Alexandra.