TRC unveils its new children’s dental room

The first health problem most children experience is tooth decay.  But a trip to a dentist to take away pain or swelling is not easy for thousands of youngsters in Chautauqua County, and they go without dental care.

For years, The Resource Center has been providing dental care to children at locations in Jamestown and Dunkirk.  On November 14, TRC held a ceremony to unveil a new children’s operatory at its Dunkirk Dental Center.

The Kids’ Room is the fulfillment of a long-held vision to make dental care more accessible to children residing in northern Chautauqua County.  Chautauqua County is a federally identified Dental Health Provider Shortage Area for low-income people, making it difficult if not impossible to access services.  The county has the most medically underserved people in rural Western New York, particularly impacting children and young families.

The Resource Center hopes the Kids’ Room will have a significant, positive impact on the oral health of underserved youngsters in Chautauqua County.  For the first time, these local children will have access to a high-quality dental room designed to serve kids only. The project increases the number of dental stations located at TRC’s Dunkirk Dental Center from seven to eight.

"It adds a whole other dimension to the aspect of our education, and prevention, and intervention for children and their families," Paul Cesana, TRC’s Executive Director, said during remarks before the formal ribbon cutting to unveil the new room.

The Kids’ Room has a fun, playful look, with video games, television and colorful graphics to entertain children and their families through every step of the dental appointment.

Dr. Jill Wierchowski, one of the Dentists at the clinic, noted that while she has been at TRC for less than a year, “It has been an amazing experience so far.  It really gives me a sense of pride to be here.”

Marie Hare, Vice President of Philanthropy and Civic Affairs for KeyBank, and Lyman Buck, Banking Relationship Manager and Senior Vice President with KeyBank, listen as Paul Cesana, TRC’s Executive Director, gives remarks.

The Kids’ Room project was made possible in large part due to a $50,000 grant from KeyBank that provided the needed funding to convert a meeting room into a full-use dental station for kids, complete with digital X-ray technology and smaller-scale equipment.

"Children are our most precious, precious commodities, and providing dental care services to our children is of extreme importance," said Marie Hare, KeyBank’s Vice President of Philanthropy and Civic affairs.  KeyBank and TRC have collaborated on several projects, which Ms. Hare referenced by stating, “There’s no better partner in service than The Resource Center.”

Addressing The Resource Center’s administrative and dental staff that developed the Kids’ Room project, she added, “Congratulations to you.  You are a collective testimony to the fact dreams do come true.”

Others on hand for the ceremony included Assemblyman Andrew Goodell and Dunkirk Mayor Richard Frey.

“The Resource Center is a tremendous asset for the whole county,” Goodell said.  “It contributes so much to our community on so many different levels.”

Speaking to TRC’s representatives, Frey commented, “You never cease to amaze me.  You just do wonderful things for our community.”

Greg Krauza, a member of TRC Foundation’s Board of Directors, was on hand and spoke on behalf of the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce.  He noted that as a proponent of preventive health services, the Chamber was pleased to see the creation of the kids-only room.

State Senator Catharine Young was unable to attend the event, but she passed along some remarks.  “Greater access to quality dental care and hygiene are vital to overall health and well being of children and families, especially in our more rural areas,” she said.  “By utilizing state-of-the-art technology, this expanded facility offers high-quality dental health care in a fun, safe and caring environment.  I applaud The Resource Center and KeyBank for their community spirit and continued commitment to healthy children, healthy families and a better quality of life for residents of Chautauqua County.”

Others attending the event include TRC Board members Wayne Hotelling and Harry Glatz, himself a retired dentist.  Denise Jones, TRC’s Chief Operating Officer gave the closing remarks.  The event was organized by Karen La Sota, TRC’s Resource Development, Research and Grants Coordinator, with assistance from Dunkirk Dental staff and other employees of TRC’s Diagnostic and Treatment Center.  John D’Agostino, the Publisher of the Observer, served as the master of ceremonies.  Paula Arntz, Production and Facilities Maintenance Rechnician at TRC’s Mary Andrews Center, photographed the event.

The Dunkirk Dental Center features dentists Dr. Wierchowski and Dr. John Vona; hygienists and dental assistants; and bilingual office staff.  Services may include examination of teeth and gums; X-rays to reveal decay; cleaning; sealants; topical fluoride applications; fillings; extractions; and treatment of infections.  Electronic dental records are being phased in.  Children who need specialized oral surgery, root canals, or orthodontics will be referred to specialists in those areas.

The dental office, located at 314 Central Avenue, is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 8:00 to 5:00 and Friday from 8:00 to 4:30.  Appointments can be made by calling 366-1661.

The Resource Center is a not-for-profit organization that provides supports to people with disabilities and their families.  TRC’s dental, health and counseling services are available to anyone in the community – insured, uninsured, underinsured, and underserved children and adults.  Care Credit, MasterCard, Visa, and most insurance plans are accepted.