BELTON, Mo., (May, 16, 2024) – Cass Community Health Foundation broke ground for the new home of its safety net dental clinic, Cass County Dental Clinic, on Wednesday, May 15 at 1000 E. Markey Parkway in Belton, Missouri. The ceremony was attended by key figures from the Cass County community who saw the unveiling of the project’s design, gained insights into the project’s impact, and participated in the ceremonial groundbreaking.
Kevin Wood, Cass Community Health Foundation board of directors chair, opened the ceremony.
“Cass County Dental Clinic remains the only full-time safety net clinic in Belton and Cass County where 100 percent of our patients are low-income children and teens,” Wood said. “Last year, we served the most children in a single year – more than 4,000. Due to this growth, the demand for services at our Belton clinic has far exceeded our capacity.”
Cynthia Randazzo, Cass Community Health Foundation president and CEO, shared plans for a capital campaign to help fund the new building.
“The Belton and Cass County communities have been supporting us since we made plans to open the first clinic in 2011,” Randazzo said. “Our new safety net dental clinic is a $5 million dollar project, of which $4 million dollars is secured. We hope community members will continue to support the clinic by helping us raise the remaining $1 million by promoting our campaign, connecting us with other members of our community who might want to contribute, or providing a donation yourself.”
The safety net dental clinic provides comprehensive oral health services for children and teens ages 0 to 20 years old who are insured by Medicaid or who are low-income and uninsured. The clinic opened its first location in Belton, Missouri, in 2011. In 2023, clinic staff served the most patients in a single year – more than 4,000, creating a demand that exceeds capacity at its current location in Belton.
The project allows Cass Community Health Foundation and Cass County Dental Clinic to expand capacity and continue to serve as a dental home for thousands. The clinic will expand from four operatories at the existing location to eight operatories in the new building, with a goal to add dental care for the adult family members of the children currently being treated. The new building includes a larger lobby, community room, and administrative space. This will allow staff to continue outreach programs like Cass Community Health Foundation’s school-based dental screening and teledentistry programs.
Belton mayor Norm Larkey, Belton city councilmembers Carla Davidson, Patty Johnson, and James Pryan, Belton City manager Joe Warren, Raymore mayor Kris Turnbow, and Belton Chamber of Commerce representatives attended the ceremony. Building architects from Finkle + Williams, members of the construction team from Pearce Construction as well as Cass Community Health Foundation funders, current and former board members, and staff were also present.
For more information regarding the capital campaign and opportunities for the community to support the new Cass County Dental Clinic building, call 816-276-4218.
