By Lee Ann Sides Garrettnews@salisburypost.com
Dr. Ryan Whalen has been much busier than he expected the last two months. Since Salisbury Dentistry opened in November, he has seen more than 400 new patients.
Whalen says he’s not surprised. The office is one of only five dentists in Rowan County that accept Medicaid benefits.
“I’d say we’ve seen about 85 percent Medicaid patients since November,” said Whalen.
The new office, at 2440 Statesville Blvd. Suite 240, is one of five practices owned by Dr. Richard F. Dest of Charlotte.
“Dr. Dest saw a need for this kind of practice in the area,” Whalen says.
According to a report published by Dr. Jessica Y Lee of the Departments of Pediatric Dentistry and Health Policy and Administration at UNC-Chapel Hill, North Carolina ranks 47th in the U.S. in the number of dentists and 45th in the number of pediatric dentists.
The report indicated finding a dentist can be difficult, but finding a dentist who accepts medicaid can be even more so.
“You can tell there’s definitely a need for this here. People are very appreciative,” Whalen said.
According to Lee’s report, only 36 percent of Medicaid recipients younger than 21 in Rowan County received a dental service in 2007, below the state average of 40 percent. The report showed 26.3 percent of recipients older than 21 received a dental service compared with 28.2 percent in the state.
Whalen serves as the primary dentist Monday through Friday, while Dr. Cindy Leigh works every Friday as a children’s specialist. Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is also offered.
Whalen says the biggest problem he sees with all patients is “education.”
“Lots of people get locked into the mentality of only doing what insurance will cover,” Whalen said. “That isn’t always everything that needs to be done.”
The office is accepting all new patients, insurance, Medicaid or non-Medicaid. For more information call 704-637-0150.