HealthLinc to launch dental residency

Valparaiso-based HealthLinc has received a $500,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to develop an accredited dental residency program to serve its clients across northern Indiana.

HeathLinc is a nonprofit Federally Qualified Health Center that provides primary medical, dental, optometry, and behavioral health services for uninsured and underinsured people.

According to HealthLinc, the dental residency program will be the first and only dental residency at a health center in Indiana.

“The program adds to our existing family nurse practitioner, clinical pharmacy and family medicine residencies and our medical and dental assistant training programs which are dedicated to training the next generation of healthcare professionals and address the ongoing provider shortage,” said HealthLinc CEO Beth Wrobel.

HealthLinc accepts Medicaid, Medicare and private insurance. It provides services on a sliding fee basis based on income.

“I appreciate that this dental residency program will address health disparities and increase dental care options in areas that normally do not have such care available,” said Rep. Frank Mrvan. “I look forward to seeing how this program will build upon the success of HealthLinc to provide such invaluable healthcare services to those in need throughout our region.”