Dental work by ETHAN

East Texas Health Access Network (ETHAN)

We enjoy a good working relationship with the East Texas Health Access Network. With offices in Jasper and satellite offices in the various counties of East Texas, ETHAN provides a variety of social services to the communities of East Texas. ETHAN has been very actively engaged in Rita Recovery efforts as well as their permanent long-term efforts before Rita. They have been very helpful to the people of Newton and have established an office that is currently housed in First United Methodist Church. That office is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays. They have coordinated the various services offered by local churches in providing payments for electric bills, medicines, and other urgent needs.

	The East Texas Health Access Network (ETHAN) has contracted with the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Dental Branch to provide low cost dental services to qualifying individuals that are uninsured for dental care and are residents of Jasper, Newton, Sabine, San Augustine, and Tyler Counties. Dental clinics will be held monthly at different locations in the Network’s five county service area. Dental services provided include dental exams, x-rays, cleanings, extractions, and fillings. Fees are based on household income.

	On October 17-19, 2007, the dental van was in Newton at the First United Methodist Church. Services were provided to31 individuals and included dental exams, x-rays, extractions, filings, cleanings and other preventive treatments for services rendered valued at approximately $22,475. This is the third time that ETHAN has brought the dental van to Newton. The van was here in March 2007 and September 2006. ETHAN is the only organization in East Texas supplying this service in Newton to Newton residents.

	The dental van parked alongside the church building

	The dentistry goes on !




	On March 4-6, 2007, the dental van was in Newton at the First United Methodist Church. Services were provided to 32 individuals and included dental exams, x-rays, extractions, filings, cleanings and other preventive treatments for services rendered valued at over $10,000. This is the second time that ETHAN has brought the dental van to Newton. The van was here in September last year (see below).
	The following pictures were taken on March 5 at the church.

	Dr. Tracey Godwin Director of the Dental Mobile Van

	Patients receiving dental care





	The truck that houses the dental facility

	Karen Weiss (on the right), an employee of ETHAN, goes over a patient's records prior to dental work being done.



	ETHAN employee, Melanie Fowler (on the left), interviews a prospective patient before any dental work is performed.

	Dr. Tracey Godwin, Director of the Mobile and Dental Van, Restorative Dentistry and Biomaterials, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, directs all of the activities in the dental unit.


	Neelu Shirvani, final year dental student, reviews medical history with a patient

	Gabriel Shahwan, another final year dental student, prepares.

	Dr. Godwin reviews a patient's dental records and examination with both Neelu and Gabriel before any treatment is given.

	Pat Henshaw, driver and dental assistant, takes X-rays of a patient.

	Neelu treats the patient

	High Tech! Dr. Godwin and Neelu review a patient's X-Rays before treatment is begun.

	Neelu discusses the treatment with the patient before beginning.


	Dental assistant, Maria Ramirez, assists Gabriel in treating a patient.

	This is what the facility looks like from the outside.


	Carlene Womack, Executive Director of ETHAN, manages the office at First United Methodist Church in Newton. ETHAN provides various kinds of assistance to needy families in Newton and Jasper counties.