Appalachian Highlands Community Dental Center

Appalachian Highlands Community Dental Center (AHCDC) is a vital non-profit organization located at 616 Campus Dr #100, Abingdon, VA 24210. Its primary mission is to offer comprehensive and affordable oral healthcare to uninsured and underserved individuals and families in Southwest Virginia, including adults participating in recovery programs. Operating on a 501(c)(3) non-profit model, the center provides services on a sliding fee scale, making dental care accessible to those who might otherwise lack opportunities for treatment. AHCDC boasts a wide array of dental services, encompassing everything from routine preventative care to more complex restorative and surgical procedures. These services include, but are not limited to, professional teeth cleanings, sealants, fillings, bonding, crowns, bridgework, porcelain veneers, dental implants, oral cancer screenings, periodontal (gum) disease therapy, removable dentures, root canal treatments, teeth whitening, and extractions. They also provide blood pressure screenings as part of a holistic approach to patient health. A unique aspect of AHCDC is its partnership with the Johnston Memorial Hospital Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) program. This collaboration allows licensed dental residents to treat patients under the supervision of experienced volunteer dental faculty, which helps reduce operational costs and enables the center to offer reduced fees. The clinic has been instrumental in expanding access to care in the region, serving over 8,000 unique patients with more than 31,621 visits since its opening in March 2020. It has also become the largest provider of adult Medicaid in the region. The center is actively involved in community initiatives, including hosting mini-Mission of Mercy Projects annually, providing free dental care to residents. Recently, AHCDC expanded its capabilities with the opening of a new state-of-the-art dental lab. This 2,400-square-foot facility, equipped with 3D printers and CAD/CAM milling, allows for in-house production of dental prosthetics like crowns, bridges, and dentures, significantly reducing wait times and costs for patients. This lab also serves as a valuable training ground for future dental professionals. AHCDC is supported by grants from organizations like the Delta Dental of Virginia Foundation, recognizing its critical role in addressing the region's shortage of dentists and affordable dental care.