05/19/2026
OHHC-Bellaire, a school based health center, now offers dental care for students, staff and community members. OHHC-Bellaire is located in the Bellaire High School. Dental services will be on site 2 days a week, which will include a dentist one day a week and a dental hygienist one day a week.
“It has been our privilege to work with the Bellaire Local School District and ODH to be able to offer health care at the Bellaire High School and we are pleased to now expand our services to include dental care,” said Jeff Britton, CEO, OHHC. “There is a tremendous need for affordable and accessible dental care. We look forward to serving the Bellaire community.”
The expansion of services to include dental care was made possible through a grant from the Ohio Department of Health (ODH). This grant is part of the state’s commitment to improving the health and educational outcomes for all students. Children in Appalachian Ohio suffer from tooth decay at nearly a 59 percent higher rate than children in other areas of Ohio, which includes more untreated cavities and toothaches.
“The School Based Health Center is already making a positive difference for our students and the community. The addition of dental care only strengthens this program,” said Derrick McAfee, Superintendent of Bellaire Local Schools. “The health center provides opportunities for Bellaire students to be successful academically by reducing absenteeism and improving their health and it also provides convenient access to healthcare for all community members.”
The school-based health center is essentially a doctor and dentist office located within Bellaire High School. It offers comprehensive health and dental care services and bill insurances just like a doctor’s office. Ohio Medicaid is accepted. The health center is open to students, staff, and community members. OHHC also offers a Patient Discount Program for those who qualify and can assist patients in applying for Medicare, Medicaid, or the Marketplace.
The staffing for the school-based health center dental services includes Dr. Amber Bauer, Dentist; Kendra Heskett, Dental Hygienist and Janice Thatcher, Dental Assistant. The health center is operational year-round, including the summer months. New patients are being accepted. For an appointment please call 740-239-6447.
Photo: (l-r)- Janice Thatcher, Dental Assistant; Dr. Amber Bauer, Dentist; and Kendra Heskett, Dental Hygienist.
