A new dental practice, Greylock Dental, has opened its doors in North Adams, actively welcoming new patients. Located at 98 Church St., the office is led by Dr. Ben Woolnough and his team of three, marking a significant addition to the community, especially as many local dentists have retired in recent years.
Dr. Woolnough noted that the region is experiencing a decline in dental providers, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic. He emphasized that many practices are not accepting new patients, making Greylock Dental’s openness a vital resource for the community. “We’re trying to spread the word and help those in need,” he said.
Since the pandemic, many residents have postponed dental visits, and securing appointments has become increasingly challenging in Berkshire County. “If you haven’t been to the dentist in a while, that’s okay; many people are in the same situation,” Woolnough added. He expressed gratitude when patients find the courage to schedule appointments, as it marks the beginning of their dental care journey.
Originally from Boston, Woolnough and his wife have returned to the area where she grew up. After ten years in private practice, he is excited to run his own clinic for the first time. His experience includes a wide range of dental services, from restorative work to extractions for patients experiencing pain or infection.
Woolnough aims to create a welcoming environment at Greylock Dental. Plans include expanding the practice to five patient chairs and enhancing patient comfort with noise-canceling headphones, ceiling-mounted TVs, and refreshments. He envisions a space where visiting the dentist is a pleasant experience rather than a dreaded chore.
The clinic features advanced technology such as digital scans and 3D printing for creating dentures and crowns on-site, which streamlines the treatment process. Although Greylock Dental is an “unrestricted provider” and does not participate in insurance networks like MassHealth, Woolnough assures patients that they will assist with filing claims for reimbursement.
For those without insurance, Greylock Dental plans to offer its own benefits program. Although they do not bill Medicaid directly, Woolnough helps Medicaid patients at Hillcrest Dental Care in Pittsfield on Fridays.
Addressing negative stereotypes about dentists, Woolnough remains optimistic. “Every day, I hear someone say they hate going to the dentist,” he shared. “Instead of feeling discouraged, I see it as an opportunity to provide them with a positive experience they didn’t expect.”
