The Community Health Clinic of Butler County has replaced a worn-out dentist's chair with a new one for $17,000.

This is a part of the clinic's dental care program, which started in 2009.

“The chair is great,” said Dr. George Bilowick, a dentist at the clinic. “It was a necessary replacement.”

Bilowick is a retired dentist who now volunteers at the clinic a few days a week, seeing patients and helping the clinic form and expand its program.

Chairs like this, he said, are necessary for the dentist to have safe and effective access to the patient.

The old chair was donated when its owner bought a new one to replace it.

The clinic used that chair for years, despite occasional technical problems and wear. The old chair is 45 years old.

“We made do with what we had,” Bilowick said.

He explained that the new one can be easily used by right- or left-handed dentists and can quickly and easily adjust a patient's position.

It was paid for entirely by donations and grants and is a welcome addition for the clinic staff, who is looking for more ways to improve and expand the program.

“We have a mission we've been on to take care of the residents in the area,” he said. “I think everyone should get the highest level care as much as possible.”

They began offering dental care in 2009, two years after the clinic opened.

In that time, the biggest challenge has been to convince patients who come for medical care to also consider taking their dental care seriously.

“Some of these people have never seen a dentist,” said James Cunningham, director of development. “Can you imagine never getting your teeth cleaned, cavities filled, broken teeth?”

A lot of the people who come to the clinic grew up in homes where the dentist was a physician of last resort, for when the discomfort or pain became a problem, he said.

In addition, many people have a natural anxiety in a dentist's office which can lead to putting off dental care or avoiding it altogether.

Because of this, the staff at the clinic spend time getting to know their patients before taking them for treatment.

“Dental physicians will meet with patients and build relationships,” said Kimberly Reamer, chief operating officer

They are also considering additions to help ease anxious patient's minds.

“We were just talking about possibly buying some TVs for the room,” she said. “Anything to make them (patients) more relaxed.”

As dental care in the clinic is limited to the basics, cleaning, fillings and extractions, much of Bilowick's time is spent teaching his patients the importance of dental care and how to take control of their dental health.

“We try to be sure that the patient is aware of the need for dental hygiene,” he said.

The clinic is free and does not accept insurance, so all of the services and equipment at the clinic are paid for through donations. They are always looking for people who would like to assist.

“With the advent of the Affordable Care Act, ObamaCare, some people were wondering if we would go out of business,” Cunningham said. “Now we're seeing people who are covered, but can't pay the deductible because it's too high.”

“We try not to turn anyone away.”