The Cook County Health & Hospitals System (CCHHS) hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the new dental clinic opening at the Dr. Jorge Prieto Health Center in Chicago’s Lawndale neighborhood. “The health system has seen tremendous changes as a result of the Affordable Care Act. It has been a Godsend for us and, more importantly, our patients,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. “Under the ACA, hundreds of thousands of people in Cook County were able to sign up for health coverage. Today, these individuals have access to important primary and preventive care services- like dental cleanings- that are key to keeping them healthy.” The dental clinic at Prieto Health Center will provide a wide range of dental services, from cleanings and fillings, to root canals, dentures, crowns and even minor oral surgery. The clinic will be able to offer around 2,000 visits each year, significantly increasing the system’s dental capacity. Last year, CCHHS provided for more than 4,300 dental visits across the system. Patients can make a dental appointment by calling 773-257-8301.

Picture caption: Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, Maria Elena Reyes, Dr. Jorge Prieto Community Board President, Dr. Jorelle Alexander, CCHHS Director of Oral Health, Dr. Jay Shannon, CCHHS CEO, Debra Carey, CCHHS Chief Operating Officer-Ambulatory Services, Dr. Claudia Fegan, CCHHS Executive Medical Director, and Cook County Commissioner Jesús “Chuy” García (7th District) celebrate the new dental clinic at Prieto Health Center.