MPCA News

Great Falls Community Health Center Welcomes New Dentist

Dr. Bonnie Lederman, DDS, new dentist at the Cascade Community Health Care Center, part of the Cascade City/County Health Department.

Cascade City-County Health Department in Great Falls recently recruited a dentist as the result of Bureau of Primary Health Care (BPHC) Community Health Center service expansion funding in 2002. Although Great Falls has had an active volunteer dentist program, over 500 patients were on the waiting list for dental services.

“Dental needs have been at crisis level in Great Falls,” says Cherry Loney, Executive Director of Cascade City-County Health Department. In January 2003, Loney recruited Dr. Bonnie Lederman, DDS, who, in addition to her primary role as dentist at the Community Health Care Center, oversees the Dental Hygiene program at the MSU College of Technology (COT) in Great Falls.

Although Dr. Lederman’s position is new, the collaboration with MSU COT represents “a natural continuation of a 25 year relationship” which included coordination of efforts with the Dental Assistant program, says Loney, describing the partnership as “a win-win for both of us.” Dr. Mary Moe, Dean of MSU COT, is in agreement, saying, “we couldn’t afford a full-time dentist, and it would have been very difficult to attract a part-time one. This is an ideal employment package that works for the College and the county.”

Dr. Lederman’s experience is ideal for the combination Dentist/Dental Hygiene Instructor position. She worked as a dental hygienist for ten years prior to becoming a dentist, and instructed in the Dental Hygiene program at Oregon University of Technology prior to moving to Great Falls. As a dentist, she has practiced in underserved, cross-cultural communities. An outdoor enthusiast, she was drawn to Montana by the recreational as well as the professional opportunities. “I am enjoying my new position in Great Falls”, she says. “The community has been welcoming and supportive.”

Montana Primary Care Association 1805 Euclid Avenue Helena, MT 59601 Phone: (406) 442-2750 Fax: (406) 449-2460