• 
• CLASS
• JOBS
• AUTO
• HOMES

HealthNet plans dental clinic renovation

Photo

Photo

Gazette files

HealthNet of Rock County is trying to raise $46,000 for renovations to its dental clinic, located at 1344 Creston Park Drive in Janesville.

JANESVILLE — Thanks to HealthNet of Rock County's Dental Clinic, Laurie Fredricks is smiling again.

Fredricks is one of more than 5,100 patients who have received more than 14,300 dental procedures since the clinic opened in 2007.

"Without HealthNet, I wouldn't have it (my smile), and I'm very grateful for that," Fredricks says as part of a video testimonial on the nonprofit's Facebook page.

Still, there is a need to serve more patients, and some wait up to two months for dental care, said Jean Randles, executive director.

A planned renovation at the clinic would give HealthNet the opportunity to serve more people, specifically uninsured Rock County residents who receive no medical assistance or Medicare, and who meet certain income guidelines.

Estimated to cost $46,000, the renovation involves adding a second dental room with updated equipment. This would allow room for more dentists to volunteer, increasing services for those in need, Randles said.

So far, $32,940 has been raised thanks to a silent auction at HealthNet's annual "Pairings That Please" fundraiser in January. That total includes a $10,000 contribution from Drs. Tom Kuerschner, Jason Swantek and Ric Meister of Premier Oral and Maxofacial Surgery of Janesville.

"We recognize the need for dental and medical services in Rock County for those that are uninsured," Meister said. "The doctors and staff at Premier are proud of what Dr. Mark Karrels, Jean Randles, the board of directors and many volunteers have accomplished in just five years. It's a wonderful service to those in our community with dental and medical needs. We are hoping this donation will be helpful."

Renovation, however, won't start until all of the money is raised.

"I'm hoping we will be able to start (renovation) before our next fiscal year, which is July 1," Randles said.

Once renovation is complete, the clinic will have the potential to double its number of patients by increasing hours and/or the number of volunteer dentists.

Dental clinic procedures include treatment plans, X-rays, cleaning, fluoride, sealing, and fillings, all of which are free to qualified patients.

To help

Send check to HealthNet of Rock County, 23 W. Milwaukee St., Janesville, WI 53548, or visit healthnetofjanesville.org.

To volunteer, call (608) 756-4638 or visit HealthNet's website.