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Stem Cell Initiative
COLLEGE OF DENTAL MEDICINE
| State Funds to Upgrade VC 7 Clinic |
Why are the funds needed?
The dental clinics in Vanderbilt are among the busiest places in the medical center, with about 90,000 patient visits each year. The main reason we proposed this renovation is to streamline our intake procedures for people who come to CDM for routine care, as well as for emergency patients. We found that it took too long, sometimes up to two hours, before we could identify their problem, identify a CDM provider for them, and then get them to that provider. So we’re revamping our patient processing procedures in addition to physically renovating the clinic. The renovation will also create, for the first time in Vanderbilt, a dedicated area for dental emergency care. We will be able to expedite care for the more than 6,000 patients every year who seek emergency care at CDM.
What is the genesis of this grant?
The funds are being disbursed through the Health Care Efficiency and Affordability Law for New Yorkers (HEAL NY) program, which began in 2005. HEAL NY will provide $1 billion in funding to help facilitate the transition to a new and improved health care system in New York State. Our clinic improvements are funded by Phase 6 of the program, which is helping diagnostic and treatment centers establish, expand, and improve primary care services to meet community needs. Along with earlier phases, it is intended to further the transition to a more stable, efficient, and higher-quality health care system in local communities throughout New York state.
How will the patient experience change?
We hope to create a more welcoming environment where patients and providers can interact more efficiently. It’s about serving the community in a considerate way and improving overall care at the medical center. We’re working with the Primary Care Development Corporation of New York City to improve patient flow and reduce wait times. And patients will have access to new advanced radiology, including cone beam CT imaging.
Will services be affected during the construction?
We hope to start construction this winter and finish in 12 to 18 months, and we will continue to operate during this entire time. It will be challenging, but the state-of-the-art facility our patients will have at the end is well worth it.
