MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake Community Health Center received $171,000 from the Washington Dental Service Foundation for expanding dental care access.

The grant funds equipment for four new exam rooms at the center, said  Marketing and Development Director, Julie Weisenburg.

The new rooms are under construction, with an anticipated completion date in spring 2009.

When the rooms are finished, the center will have a total of 12 exam rooms.

“We’re looking forward to it, being able to help more people,” Weisenburg said.

According to Washington Dental Service Foundation, the grant will allow Moses Lake Community Health Center to accommodate an additional 3,500 visits in its first year.

“Access to dental care is critical to promoting prevention and identifying and treating dental disease,” stated foundation President and CEO Laura Smith. “We are pleased to support the expansion of Moses Lake Community Health Center’s dental clinic and increase the number of Washington State’s residents that have access to critical dental care.”

Weisenburg said a need exists for expanded dental care at the center.

Many adults and children lack insurance for dental care, and the new facilities will help the center meet the needs of patients, she said.