Collaborative Free Clinic in Opa-locka Offers Dental Services, With Muslim and Christian Groups Joining Forces to Provide Care for Free

UHI CommunityCare Clinic Expands Services with Free Dental Care

The UHI CommunityCare Clinic, a nonprofit healthcare facility founded and supported by South Florida's Muslim community, has announced the addition of free dental care services. Located at 870 Fisherman St. in Opa-locka, the clinic is now equipped to offer dental care to uninsured, low-income patients every Thursday through a mobile clinic.

The mobile dental clinic, which resembles a dental office on wheels, made its first appearance at UHI Clinic on a specified day, with multiple patients receiving x-rays and dental cleanings. This expansion is an exciting addition, according to Khalid Mirza, president of the UHI board, who stated that the clinic is seeing more patients and that many in the area have no other place to go.

Community clinics like UHI help prevent people from misusing hospital Emergency Departments, which can result in expensive bills. Oral health is an important aspect of general healthcare, according to Dr. Kate Semidey, a pediatric doctor at UHI. Dental care has connections to neurocognitive health and can aid in early detection of issues like dementia and cardiovascular diseases.

The dental care program at UHI Clinic is just one part of the comprehensive services offered by the facility. The clinic saw over 5,800 patients last year, with the number of patients growing as more people lose access to Medicaid. UHI Clinic offers a variety of services, including eye exams and children's vaccines, all free of cost to uninsured patients.

The partnership for the free provision of dental services to the Opa-locka community is a collaboration between the Greater Miami Service Corps and Caring for Miami, an initiative of Christ Fellowship Church. Caring for Miami also offers prayer and opens the church doors for anyone seeking community.

UHI Clinic welcomes anyone seeking dental care to inquire at the facility. The clinic is located in Opa-locka, a city with high-poverty rates and little resources, often referred to as a "food desert" and a "high-risk city" from a health-risk perspective. The health and dental services at UHI are available to anyone, regardless of faith background.

The Coalition of South Florida Muslim Organizations (COSMOS) is a partner and funder of the religion reporter position at the Miami Herald, demonstrating the community's commitment to supporting various initiatives that benefit the wider community. The UHI Clinic's expansion of services is a testament to this commitment and a valuable resource for the Opa-locka community.