Area Development Corp. seeks support for state dentistry program application

By Bob Steenson, bsteenson@charlescitypress.com

An effort is underway to help a local dentist serve people who might not ordinarily have access to dental care.

It’s part of a state program that trades help in paying off a new dentist’s student loans, in return for a commitment to devote a portion of his or her patient services to vulnerable and underserved populations.

The Charles City Area Development Corp. is joining the effort, looking for help from area individuals and businesses to sponsor the program. But time is running short.

Called FIND — Fulfilling Iowa’s Needs for Dentists — the program is a partnership among Delta Dental of Iowa, the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics, the Iowa Department of Public Health and the Iowa Area Development Group.

Tim Fox, executive director of the Area Development Corp., said the program fits well with the community’s goal of attracting and retaining young professionals in Charles City.

In a letter sent to Charles City businesses and individuals, Fox asked for support to raise a minimum of $5,000 in local funds for the FIND program.

That money would be matched with $50,000 from Delta Dental and $25,000 from the state, resulting in $80,000 that would be used to help pay off student loan debt, at the rate of $16,000 per year for five years.

Charles City businesses and individuals could raise more, up to $25,000, resulting in a total of $100,000, or $20,000 per year to help pay school loans.

The Area Development Corp.’s applicant for the program would be Dr. Michael Hemming, a member of Central Park Dentistry, who moved to Charles City with his wife, Nicole, in late summer last year after graduating from the University of Iowa dental school.

If awarded the funding, Hemming will commit to devoting at least 35 percent of his patient services to high-risk or underserved patients, including people on Medicaid, age 65 and older, uninsured, ages 3 and younger, etc.

“It’s a good program to try and get involved in,” Henning told the Press. “I’d get to treat patients that need my services, and I get reimbursed for some of my student loans that I’ve accrued over four years.”

Henning said the average dental school graduate leaves college with about $300,000 in debt.

“This program provides an incentive for the dentist to see these patients that need it. It provides the care the patients need,” he said. And the loan reimbursement would help him.

“It takes some of the stress away if you have a little extra help,” Hemming said.

Fox said, “This constitutes an opportunity to assist the less fortunate among us” by providing needed dental care.

He said Floyd County is considered in a health professional shortage area.

“Dr. Hemming has a strong application and is a highly qualified candidate,” Fox said in his letter. “I am appealing to your sense of community and Charles City’s legacy of progressivity in making this entreaty,” he wrote.

The application deadline is approaching, however. Pledges must be received by Friday, Aug. 31, although the payments would not be due until Dec. 1. All contributions are tax deductible.

Up to four applicants are accepted into the Iowa program each year, Fox said.

“I envision Charles City exercising its leadership in this venue and aggressively pursuing this opportunity,” he said.

Anyone wishing to be part of the program or who would like more information can contact Fox at 641-228-3020 or ccadc@charlescityia.com.