"Many of our patients have been in pain and agony for a long time because there are very few places where they can get help," Dr. Heintschel said. The alternative is often costly hospital emergency room visits for pain medication while the source of the problem goes untreated. "Patients we've treated tell us they feel like they can smile again and how good that makes them feel," Dr. Heintschel said. He recalled a patient who said she feels she can finally go into the school with her young daughter and not be embarrassed by her teeth. "We're also seeing that dentists are happy to have us in their communities because they now have a referral source for these patients," Dr. Heintschel noted.

But the MCDC mission goes beyond changing lives and filling a need in communities: MCDC is out to change the perception of public health dentistry. "We want to put public health dentistry on par with the type of care, providers and facilities that one finds in a top-notch private practice," Dr. Heintschel explained. He said creating a positive patient experience - and recruiting and retaining top-notch doctors and staff - starts with having high-end equipment and facilities. "As we look to extend the MCDC network to new communities, the ability to showcase these impressive facilities to the Board of Health and county commissioners is another great selling point."

In December, MCDC worked closely with Patterson Dental to open a new 4,350-square-foot clinic in Traverse City, Mich., in association with the Health Department and the Northwest Community Health Agency.

"Patterson is a great strategic partner who comes to the table with efficient, ergonomic designs for our clinics," the doctor continued. Patterson equipment specialist Rick Coppens and his team design for optimal patient flow and maximum efficiency, following MCDC model standards so the floor plan and equipment stay familiar for personnel moving between clinics.

Having equipment that lasts is another high priority. "With quality equipment and technology, the cost of ownership and value over time help us reduce our costs, and in turn, help more people," Dr. Heintschel said. The 12-operatory clinic in Traverse City is equipped with A-dec cabinetry, two 16-foot A-dec ICC sterilization centers and other top names in sterilization like the SciCan HYDRIM and Midmark M11. Air Techniques provided mechanicals, including the compressor and vacuum.

The doctor also relies on Patterson representative Mark Ames, whom he views as an employee, even though Ames doesn't draw an MCDC paycheck. "Mark works very hard for us and his heart is in our mission, just like MCDC employees." Joe Vaughn and the Patterson service team have also played a key role in minimizing downtime during the transition to the new clinic.

"MCDC and Patterson have a true partnership," Patterson Grand Rapids Branch Manager Dan Redifer commented. "We are all working toward the same goal of providing excellent healthcare to the community. At Patterson, we try to be available and responsive to MCDC as they change and the healthcare environment changes. The work MCDC is doing in Michigan is clearly changing lives and we are honored to play a role in the service this organization provides."