Aug 24, 2015

CDHC Helps Virginia Community Overcome Barriers to Dental Care

Many people who live on Virginia’s Eastern Shore have difficulty accessing regular dental care. Part of the Delmarva Peninsula, the Eastern Shore is separated from the rest of Virginia by the Chesapeake Bay. This location adds additional challenges for local residents when accessing dental care. Getting to the nearest metropolitan area requires people to either drive 60 miles north to Salisbury, Md., or 80 miles south to Virginia Beach, a trek that includes the 23-mile Chesapeake Bay Bridge – Tunnel with a $30 round trip toll “The shore is geographically isolated, and therefore it poses a unique barrier to accessing dental care because there are limited options for the residents,” said Jenna Linden, who spent two weeks this summer educating and coordinating care for those who lack regular dental care.