Philadelphia FIGHT, an AIDS-service organization that recently celebrated its 25th anniversary, has another reason for excitement: A dental-services program launched this month.
“It seemed to me they had every other kind of service for their clients,” said dentist Kari Hexem, who worked with FIGHT to build the dental program from scratch. “I do work very closely with the primary health-care providers at FIGHT. Being able to work with the rest of the medical team is a nice benefit.”
She said if she needs background information on her patients’ health to better serve their dental needs, it can be easily facilitated.
The dental office opened Jan. 12 at 1233 Locust St. Services include oral health exams, digital X-rays, dental cleanings, gum treatments, fillings and dentures. Hexem said she can also provide referrals for root canals, crown and bridge work and oral surgery.
The clinic has an affiliation with the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, from which Hexem, 33, graduated last year. Hexem and her assistant are the only full-time staffers. They’re hoping to hire a second dentist by the summer. FIGHT dental services will also have Penn dental students on rotation at the clinic under faculty supervision.
The clinic has seen 12 patients so far and referred about six for oral surgery elsewhere. Patients do not have to use FIGHT physicians as their primary medical providers. They will also be seen regardless of HIV status or health insurance. There is a sliding scale for payment.
Hexem had a background in public health before starting dental school. She said she hopes to create a “dental home” for people at FIGHT.
“I hope patients don’t come to me only when they’re in pain, and I never see them again,” she said. “What I most enjoy as a clinician is really being a partner in developing a plan with patients so they can reach a point of stability with their oral health.”
Hexem knew she wanted to make a long-term investment in FIGHT after she first met Jane Shull, executive director of FIGHT. Between Hexem’s first and second year at dental school, she participated in a Penn community-health internship program called “Bridging the Gaps.”
“I loved that [FIGHT] had an activist orientation in addition to being clinically excellent,” Hexem said.