LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — The UNLV School of Dental Medicine has officially opened its Advanced Needs Dental Clinic, providing essential care for newborns and children with cleft lips and palates, as well as other patients with special needs. The clinic, located at 1700 West Charleston Blvd., replaces a previous facility that closed during the pandemic due to a lack of state funding. Thanks to Senate Bill 280, which allocated $1.3 million for the project, the clinic is now equipped to offer services at reduced or no cost.
Dean James Mah of UNLV’s School of Dental Medicine highlighted the challenges faced by families seeking care for children with craniofacial abnormalities during the pandemic. “Babies continued to be born as life went on after the pandemic,” Mah said. “We know some people have moved out of state since then, but we’re very busy reaching out and trying to make contact.”
Nevada was previously one of only two states without a formal cleft palate and craniofacial team, forcing families to seek treatment out of state. The new clinic aims to alleviate this burden by providing local access to necessary procedures. Sen. Rochelle Nguyen, D-Las Vegas, who co-sponsored the bill, emphasized the clinic’s significance, stating it represents “hope for people in our community.”
The facility also offers dental care for the elderly and individuals with intellectual, developmental, and sensory needs. Mah encourages those who may benefit from the clinic’s services to contact the School of Dental Medicine.
