New Programs and Staff for MCHC Dental

MCHC News Release

The Molokai Community Health Center (MCHC) has expanded its ability to serve the Molokai community.  After a successful move to the new MCHC Oceanside facility, the Dental Department has added a third dental chair.  A new hygienist, Heather Sluss, has also been brought on board. Sluss is a graduate from Indiana University, Fort Wayne with a degree in Dental Hygiene.  

“Being from a small town myself, I really wanted to work in a rural under-served area where I could feel like a part of the community,” said Sluss. “I’m really enjoying Molokai.”  

MCHC Dental Director, Dr. Boki Chung, DDS is excited about her department’s expanded capacity.  “We can now serve our patients quicker and more efficiently,” says Dr. Chung.  “This is a huge step up from our previous facility.”

The MCHC Dental Department is also participating in a state-funded program to offer free, non-emergency dental services for selected patients.

“We’ve been allotted $75,000 from the state through the Hawaii Primary Care Association (HPCA),” Dr. Chung explained. “We can spend up to $1000 max per patient with a set amount of $200 per visit reimbursements.”  

There is an application process and funding is available until June 30, 2012.   

“This is another opportunity for us to achieve our mission, which is to provide access to quality care for the uninsured and under-insured,” said Desiree Puhi, MCHC executive director.

MCHC recently completed Phase I of its renovation and relocation to its Oceanside facility. Thanks to support from the state, federal government, and Molokai community, Phase II and III are scheduled to begin soon. 

For more information about the free dental services, visit molokaichc.org/content/dental-services, email Boki Chung, DDS at bchung@molokaichc.org, or drop by at 30 Oki Place, Kaunakakai.