CHAS Health

CHAS East Central Dental Clinic is one of several dental facilities operated by CHAS Health, a prominent non-profit, federally qualified health center (FQHC) based in Spokane, Washington. Established to address the critical need for accessible and affordable healthcare, particularly in underserved communities, the East Central Dental Clinic officially opened on November 23, 2020. This particular clinic was developed in response to identified needs in Spokane's East Central neighborhood, where a significant portion of Medicaid-insured children under six years old were not accessing dental care. CHAS Health's overarching mission is to improve the overall health of the communities it serves by expanding access to quality health and wellness services, regardless of a patient's insurance status or ability to pay. The East Central Dental Clinic embodies this mission by offering a broad spectrum of general dentistry services for both adults and children. These services include preventative care such as routine exams, professional cleanings, fluoride treatments, and dental sealants. For restorative and emergency needs, the clinic provides fillings, crowns, extractions, and root canal therapy. They also offer oral cancer screenings and can provide orthodontic referrals. The clinic's staff comprises experienced dentists, hygienists, and dental assistants who work collaboratively with CHAS Health's medical and pharmacy teams to ensure coordinated and efficient patient care. As an FQHC, CHAS Health is committed to affordability. They accept a wide range of insurance plans, including Washington Apple Health (Medicaid), Medicare, and various private dental plans like Delta Dental, Guardian, Metlife, Premera Dental, Regence Dental (Idaho only), United Concordia Dental, and United Healthcare / Dental Benefit Providers. For patients who are uninsured or underinsured, CHAS Health offers a sliding fee discount program based on household income and family size, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent access to necessary dental care. They also provide patient resource coordinators to assist individuals in understanding their options for payment and health coverage enrollment. The clinic is equipped with 19 operatories, allowing them to serve a substantial number of patients within the community.