Island Health Care
Island Health Care (IHC) is an essential part of the Martha’s Vineyard community, offering a comprehensive range of services including family healthcare, mental and behavioral health services, substance use disorder counseling, chronic disease management, and community-based public health initiatives targeting social determinants of health. In June 2024, IHC will launch its new Dental Center, made possible by funding from MVYouth, along with federal and state grants, private donations and support from Martha’s Vineyard Bank. The center will cater to children, young adults, adults and seniors, providing a wide array of dental services. IHC has completed all necessary property acquisitions, met federal environmental and historic preservation requirements, and engaged an architectural firm for the Dental Center's design. Construction plans and applications have been submitted to the MA Department of Public Health, and construction contracts have been awarded. Construction is set to begin upon state approval. Dr. Aldino Maggiulli, the inaugural dental director at Island Health Care, has already relocated to the island and is actively coordinating and managing all Dental Center operations. He is collaborating with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Boston University's Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine, contractors, dental suppliers, the local dental community, and dental hygiene schools to staff, equip, and prepare the clinic.
Island Health Care
We are excited to report that work is well underway at Island Health Care to build, equip and staff a new, 4 chair dental facility where we can provide critical, full service, safety net dental care for island youth and their families. Our architects have completed the plans and drawings for our beautiful space at 1 Mariners Way in Edgartown and are in the process of ordering equipment and supplies. Our plan is to build out the dental center space over the next 9 months and open for business towards the end of 2023.
In a unique partnership with Boston University’s Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine, we are developing an integrated model of primary care that will include oral health care provided by a team of full-time oral health professionals and dental faculty, students, and residents from Boston University.
What this means for our community is a long-term commitment by the Island’s Federally Qualified Health Center to operate a comprehensive safety net dental center that will finally meet the needs of the more than 2500 children who presently lack any access to oral health care. We will also provide preventive services and support for school children including the uninsured and underserved, and those covered by Medicaid, including our Brazilian immigrant population.