"We appreciate DentaQuest's investment in this important resource for Laredo and the surrounding communities," said Sister Rosemary Welsh, a spokesperson for Mercy Ministries. Laredo has the second highest poverty rate in the United States, and 36 percent of adult Laredo residents lack health insurance. Mercy clinics fill a critical gap, providing care with a "pay what you can" system so that no one is turned away.

 

DentaQuest provides Medicaid and CHIP dental coverage statewide serving nearly 2 million members across Texas. "DentaQuest is proud to make this donation because it creates opportunities for adults to get dental care necessary for overall health, as well as to keep or obtain a job," said Joe Vesowate, regional vice president at DentaQuest. "The donation also supports outreach efforts such as teaching parents about the importance of children's oral health habits, making the future healthier for our youngest Texans."

 

"Mercy clinics treat every patient with dignity and respect, regardless of income level or insurance status," said Sen. Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo. "By supporting Mercy's dental clinic and promotoras to help those in need, this generous gift will enhance Mercy Ministries' already strong focus on prevention through education and early detection."

 

Mercy Ministries also provides an important training ground for those working towards dental degrees at the University of Texas Health Science Center Dental School.

"This gift from DentaQuest is very generous and will help a lot of people," said Rep. Richard Raymond of Laredo.  "We thank DentaQuest for supporting this important work and helping enhance a critical mission in our community."

 

About DentaQuest

Based in Boston, Mass., DentaQuest (www.dentaquest.com) is the largest oral health company in the Medicaid space. Along with its charitable DentaQuest Foundation (www.dentaquestfoundation.org), its clinical DentaQuest Care Group and its educational DentaQuest Institute (www.dentaquestinstitute.org), its mission is to improve the oral health of all. Follow DentaQuest on Twitter @DentaQuest, Facebook at www.facebook.com/DentaQuest, Instagram @inside_dentaquest and LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/dentaquest, and subscribe to our blog, Oral Health Matters at http://oralhealthmatters.blogspot.com/.