Our Community Health Centers are open to the public by appointment or walk-in. All are welcome. Community Health Centers are located in both St.
Lawrence and Franklin Counties (Malone, Canton, Gouverneur, Ogdensburg and Watertown). Services vary by site but generally include: comprehensive primary, pediatric, behavioral, dental, optometry, and preventative care services to persons of all ages, regardless of their ability to pay. While accepting most insurances, Community Health Centers are also designated as Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC's) offering a sliding fee scale to those individuals and families that are uninsured and/or medically under-served. The sliding fee scale is based on patients' family size and income level.
02/13/2026
Did you know cavities are contagious? š¦·
Tooth decay is caused by bacteria that can be passed from parent to child through everyday actions like sharing spoons or cleaning a pacifier with your own mouth. When cavity-causing bacteria are transferred early, a childās risk for tooth decay increases.
Keeping your own oral health in checkābrushing, flossing, and getting regular dental careāhelps protect your childās smile, too. Healthy habits at home play a powerful role in preventing cavities for the whole family.
Your sweetheart may have the key to your heart, but a proper diet and regular physical activity can be the key to keeping it healthy! Take a romantic stroll or skip the box of chocolates and cook your loved one a healthy, romantic meal instead!
02/12/2026
š¦ We all know we should replace our toothbrush every 3 months, but do you know why?
According to the ADA Council on Scientific Affairs, itās not just about clean teeth. As bristles fray, they:
Lose efficiency: Frayed bristles canāt reach the tight spaces where plaque hides. A worn brush cleans 30% less effectively.
Trap bacteria: Worn brushes become a better breeding ground for germs and are harder to keep clean.
If the bristles look like a bad hair day, toss it! šļøāØ
02/10/2026
Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease in children but can easily be prevented with proper dental care at home. It's important for children to brush and floss their teeth on a daily basis and to visit a dentist twice a year after reaching the age of one.
02/09/2026
Itās National Toothache Day...the holiday nobody wants to celebrate! š¤
A toothache is the #1 reason kids miss school.
Don't wait for pain to visit the dentistāby then, the problem is already big.
02/09/2026
We are looking to hire full time Dental Assistants to work in our Canton dental department. No nights, no weekends, no major holidays - flexible schedules, excellent benefits, and generous time off.
Did you know that nearly 1 in 5 children aged 6-11 has an untreated cavity? Cavities are the most common chronic disease of childhoodā5x more common than asthma. Let's work together to lower that number.
Source: U.S. Surgeon Generalās Report on Oral Health (2000)
02/06/2026
The expansion of our Full Service Family Practice in Ogdensburg continues with the arrival of Dr. Mendoza, MD. New patients and referrals being accepted now. More access to local care equals a healthier North Country.
02/06/2026
Remember the "222 Rule" Brush 2 times a day for two minutes, and visit your Dentist 2 times per year. Jefferson County Public Health Service St. Lawrence County Public Health Department
Are you rushing the brush? Science shows that brushing for a full 2 minutes removes significantly more plaque than a quick 45-second scrub. Use a timer or a favorite song to keep it going!
02/05/2026
Heart Disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, but with certain lifestyle changes, it doesn't have to be.
Spend time this month focusing on making heart healthy choices when it comes to food and exercise! Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/7cwu364y
Don't have a primary healthcare provider? We have providers accepting new patients at all of our health center locations!
02/04/2026
Tiny Teeth, Big Job.
Think of baby teeth as nature's "space savers." They hold the exact spot needed for adult teeth to grow in straight. Keeping baby teeth healthy ensures the permanent teeth have a clear path to follow!
š¼ Most parents know about brushing, but did you know these 3 habits are just as important?
No Bottles in Bed: š Milk is healthy, but not at bedtime. When a baby sleeps with a bottle, the liquid pools around their teeth, leading to "Baby Bottle Tooth Decay."
Prevent Sharing Germs: š„ Cavities are contagious! The bacteria that cause them can jump from your mouth to your baby's. Avoid sharing spoons or "cleaning" their pacifier with your mouth.
Ditch the Bottle by Age 1: š„¤ The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends weaning to a cup between 12ā14 months. It helps their teeth and their speech development!
Small changes = Big healthy smiles. š
Sources: AAPD Reference Manual (2024-2025)
02/04/2026
February is National Heart Health Month!
Every year on the first Friday in February, people all around the country collectively wear red to bring awareness to heart disease and stroke, the number one killer of both men and women in the US.
This Friday, February 6, we ask you to join us in an effort to bring awareness to the importance of heart health by wearing some red and sharing your selfies!
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Contact The Practice
Send a message to Community Health Center of the North Country:
Our health centers are located in both St. Lawrence and Franklin Counties (Malone, Canton, Gouverneur, and Watertown). Our new location in Ogdensburg at 102 Ford Street is now open as well and accepting new patients. By providing quality healthcare to all residents of Northern New York regardless of insurance status or ability to pay, our team is the safety net for our North Country Communities.
Services vary by site but generally include: primary, pediatric, behavioral, dental, optometry, and preventative care to persons of all ages. Case management, care coordination, WIC, health home care management, along with insurance enrollment assistance are also available. Substance abuse challenges? We have a new program to help you and your family with those challenges as well.
New patients are being accepted at all locations. Appointments are preferred, but slots for walk-in and same day visits are generally available.
While accepting most insurances, Community Health Centers are also designated as Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) offering a sliding fee scale to those individuals and families that are uninsured and/or medically under-served. The sliding fee scale is based on patients' family size and income level. Our team has been serving families across the North Country for over 40 years. Visit chcnorthcountry.org for further details.
***We also offer Optometry and Optical Services in Watertown at 146 Arsenal Street (use Court Street entrance). This location is not an FQHC and does not offer Sliding Fee Scale discounts.
