STEUBENVILLE — Steubenville City Schools now offers students a convenient on-site option for dental care with the opening of a new dental clinic.
The clinic, located within the Pugliese STEM Academy at Steubenville High School, is part of CHANGE Inc.’s School-Based Health Center. It will offer a variety of dental services, including exams, cleanings, X-rays, fillings, and minor procedures.
Local dentist Dr. Tom Brown, a longtime practitioner in the area, will lead the clinic, with dental hygienists also available.
Initially, services will be available on a limited schedule, with hygienists on duty Mondays and Dr. Brown working Wednesdays from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. by appointment. These hours may expand in the future.
“We’re providing dental services like cleanings, X-rays, fillings, minor surgeries, and routine screenings,” said Kelly Treadway, clinical site manager. “We’re starting small with our hours but plan to grow.”
Dr. Brown, a Steubenville High School alum, brings over 40 years of experience to the clinic. He has previously practiced in Wintersville and worked at Allegheny General Hospital and Trinity Medical Center East. Brown, who has two children who graduated from the high school, expressed excitement about returning to serve the local community.
“I’m really enthusiastic about it. There are many underserved patients here, and this clinic will be a huge benefit to them,” Brown said. “It’s important to serve the underserved and uninsured, and this clinic will help fill that gap.”
Jennifer Pierce, chief operating officer of CHANGE Inc., emphasized the clinic’s convenience for students, who can now receive dental care without missing valuable school time. Previously, the health center was located inside the high school, but it has now moved to the Pugliese STEM Academy.
“The key advantage is keeping kids in school,” Pierce said. “The health center offers both medical and dental services, and we’re thrilled with the new space. While schools have mobile dental buses, this clinic is a much more convenient option for students.”
The center accepts underserved and uninsured students, as well as most insurance plans. Family members of students and staff are also welcome to use the services. Dr. Brown noted that dental care should begin early, ideally between ages 1½ and 3, to ensure proper oral health.
Appointments are already being scheduled, and the clinic is staffed with dental hygienist Cindy McCord and dental assistant Makayla Skeeles, with potential for further expansion.
CHANGE Inc. operates school-based health centers across Jefferson County and in Hancock and Brooke counties, providing essential medical and dental care to students and their families.
