Oak Orchard Health celebrates opening dental clinic in Albion

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Karen Kinter, left, CEO of Oak Orchard Health, and Dr. Rachel Nozzi, chief dental officer, cut the ribbon to celebrate the opening of their dental clinic at 362 South Main St., Albion.

ALBION – Oak Orchard Health has added a new facility to their program, with the dedication Thursday of a new dental clinic at 362 South Main St. in Albion.

The opening was celebrated at a ribbon cutting by CEO Karen Kinter, chief dental officer Rachel Nozzi and dental operations manager Mary Rich.

Attendees included retired pediatrician James Goetz, who spent 45 years with OOH, and staff of OOH, which included Cathy Hines, public relations officer; Ciera Baker, Ashley Johnson, Brandi Wilson, Karen Liese, Miranda Betandes and Jenna Rogge; and board members Nyla Gaylord, Lorienda Smith and Cynda Watroda.

Presenting proclamations and well wishes were Congressman Joseph Morelle, Assemblyman Steve Hawley, State Senator Rob Ortt and Orleans County Legislator Skip Draper.

Cathy Hines, public relations officer for OOH, said they purchased the former dental office a year ago, and after renovations and remodeling, moved into the facility in early January. Updates include new digital panorex technology.

Dentist Dr. Rachel Nozzi said she is very excited about this office.

“We always had a presence in Orleans County, but never a physical site for dentistry,” Hines said. “There is definitely a need for this in the community.”

The biggest challenge is getting enough dentists and other dental professionals, Nozzi said.

“We have space but not providers,” she said. “All dental practices are completely full.”

Congressman Joseph Morelle, Assemblyman Steve Hawley and State Senator Rob Ortt prepare to present proclamations to Karen Kinter, CEO of Oak Orchard Health, during dedication of their new dental clinic in Albion. Skip Draper, not pictured, presented a citation from the Orleans County Legislature.

Morelle said there is a lot of talk about challenges in health care.

“People underestimate how important dental care is to overall health,” he said. “We will do what we can to provide quality healthcare.”

“Access to quality health care is more important than ever,” Ortt said. “Transportation and distance are big issues. The challenge is if the dentist is 45 or 50 miles away, people won’t go. I have a large rural population in my district and I thank Oak Orchard Health for being a difference maker.”

Hawley reminded the audience this is National Health Week and commended Oak Orchard Health, saying the way they provide to those in need touches the heart.

Draper added that he was very happy to see OOH grow in the community.

Dr. Nozzi said Oak Orchard Dental was a great addition, along with the recent launch of their mobile dental unit.

With the opening of the Albion office, Oak Orchard Health now provides dental services in Brockport, Warsaw and Hornell, along with the mobile dental unit which travels throughout the area, including local school districts.

Other services include primary care in Albion, Brockport, Pembroke Batavia, Alexander, Warsaw and Hornell; pediatric care in Albion, Brockport, Batavia, Warsaw and Hornell; vision care in Brockport; and behavioral health in Albion, Brockport, Pembroke, Batavia, Warsaw and Hornell.

Oak Orchard Health’s dental clinic accepts most insurances and can be reached at (585) 589-5613, Ext. 2.

Staff of Oak Orchard Health who participated in a ribbon cutting at their new dental clinic on Thursday are, seated from left, Miranda Betandes, Jenna Rogge and Dr. Rachel Nozzi. Standing, from left, are Karen Kinter, CEO of OOH; Mary Rich, Ciera Baker, Ashley Johnson, Brandi Wilson and Karen Liese.