CHC Adds Low-Cost Orthodontic Services

January 18, 2012.

Community Health Centers of the Central Coast (CHC) Dental Department is offering affordable orthodontia services to children and adults through its local dental clinics in Lompoc, Santa Maria, Nipomo and Templeton. "CHC is very fortunate to offer this new service with our new Orthodontist, Raj Lotwala," stated Joseph Mercardante, DDS, MPH, CHC Dental Director. "Dr. Lotwala is extremely knowledgeable and dedicated to providing care for the underserved in our community." Adding, “[Lotwala] is going to put a lot of smiles on patients’ faces!”

 

Dr. Lotwala, DDS, MSD is a member of the American Association of Orthodontics, having graduated from University of California, Berkeley, the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, and most recently the University of Washington School of Dentistry, Department of Orthodontics. Dr. Lotwala practiced dentistry with CHC for two years prior to receiving his orthodontia training, and has returned to serve those in our community most in need.

 

Orthodontic care involves the use of devices, such as braces, to straighten teeth, correct problems with bite, close gaps between teeth and to align teeth properly. In young children, orthodontic treatment may guide proper jaw growth. This can help permanent teeth to come in properly. Straight permanent teeth can help prevent tooth and jaw-related problems later on.

 

"There is clearly a huge need for affordable orthodontia services on the Central Coast as we have well over 100 patients signed up so far," continued Mercardante. "At this time the majority of procedures will be need to be done at our main dental practice in Nipomo."

 

"Having an improved smile not only has health benefits, but can make all the difference for a child's or an adult's self-esteem” says CHC’s CEO Ronald Castle. “We are committed to making it as easy and affordable as possible for our patients to get quality orthodontic care.”

 

Since orthodontia services are rarely covered under most insurance plans, CHC will offer affordable monthly payment options. New and existing CHC patients will be able to apply for the CareCredit™ Healthcare finance plan. CareCredit™ is a personal line of credit for dental treatments. It is a no-interest credit card that can only be used for healthcare services.

 Dr. Lotwala will see patients Tuesdays through Fridays, 8am – 5pm, as well as the first Saturday of the month. 

CHC currently operates five dental clinics in two counties: Lompoc, Santa Maria (2), Nipomo and Templeton.

For more information, contact the CHC Dental Department at (805) 929-3254.