Optimizing oral health across the Wiregrass region
UAB Dentistry Dothan is a satellite dentistry clinic operated by UAB School of Dentistry to help improve the dental health of those living in the Wiregrass region.
The clinic is located in the Health Center South Medical Tower located at 2826 Ross Clark Circle in Dothan, which is owned and operated by Dr. Marnix E. Heersink and the Heersink family. Health Center South already served the health care needs of the Wiregrass, and its Medical Tower was explored among other options before its selection due to several factors, including location, existing health care infrastructure and ability to meet all of the requirements of a dentistry clinic.
With eight exam chairs and the capacity to conduct more than 10,000 patient visits annually, the clinic is staffed by UAB School of Dentistry faculty and staff, with the planned addition of dental students. One of its aims is to identify, recruit and prepare the next generation of dentists committed to practicing in rural Alabama, alleviating some of the burden caused by the rural dentistry shortage across the state.
Critical to the project is a $3.4 million appropriation from the state of Alabama to develop this first-of-its-kind model.
The UAB School of Dentistry is the only dental school in the state and is consistently ranked among the top-funded schools for dental research. The school is grateful for the support of The University of Alabama System and the help of our state and local leaders and our generous supporters as we work to bring world-class dental care to the Wiregrass region. For more information about the UAB School of Dentistry, visit uab.edu/dentistry.
