Dental clinic named for William Zucker

SANDUSKY — A dental clinic that provides dentist access to all has been named after a longtime Sandusky dentist who made it happen. Officials at Family Health Services hosted a ceremony Friday to formally name the William Zucker Dental Clinic at the agency's main offices, 1912 Hayes Ave. (Ohio 4). Zucker, now an emeritus member of the Family Health Services board, served as the board president for many years and had pushed for the opening of the dental clinic. Sandusky has two dental clinics open to everyone, including Medicaid patients: The Zucker Clinic and a clinic at the Erie County Community Health Center, at the health department on Superior Street. Family Health Services also operates a satellite clinic in Norwalk. Erie County has been considered a "dental desert" because it has been so difficult for people with public health insurance to get dental care, explained David Tatro, CEO of Family Health Services. Medicaid payment rates are so low that dentists can't afford to take many Medicaid patients, he said. Zucker advocated for a dental clinic for many years, even before Family Health Services became established as a Federally Qualified Health Center in 2015. Tatro, who had established dental clinics at community clinics in the Washington, D.C., area, took over as CEO three years ago and promised Zucker he'd work to get a clinic set up in Sandusky. Tatro brought in Dr. Joseph Rizk as his dental director. Rizk had worked with Tatro to set up the earlier dental clinics. The Zucker Dental Clinic was named Friday in a public ribbon cutting ceremony that featured Zucker, Family Health Services officials and Dick Brady, ex officio mayor of the Sandusky city commission. The ceremony also marked the completion of a recent project to expand the dental clinic. "This was my dream for 18 years," Zucker said. Tatro said about $1.6 million has been spent on the Zucker Dental Clinic, including the recent expansion, with funding coming from the federal government, Family Health Services, Firelands Health, the city of Sandusky and the Mylander and Wightman Wieber foundations. The Sandusky clinic and satellite clinic in Norwalk has a staff of 16, including four dentists and two hygienists. "We're currently looking for two more dentists and two more hygienists," Tatro said. "They're not easy to find, but we're looking." The demand is illustrated by the fact that appointments are made three months out, although the clinic will see patients quickly in the event of an emergency, such as a toothache. The clinic offers a full array of dental services, including fillings, cleanings, root canals and dentures. Tatro said local residents with private dental insurance can support the clinic's mission by using it for their dental care needs. Revenue from private insurance helps support the clinic's care for people who lack private coverage. Tatro said he often is approached by people who want to donate to the clinic. He said he tells them, "I don't need a donation, just come to our practice."