Renovated EIOH Clinic at School 17 Expands Access to Care for Rochester Families
A major renovation at the Eastman Institute for Oral Health’s dental clinic inside Enrico Fermi School No. 17 is bringing significant improvements in care to a Rochester neighborhood challenged by poverty and limited access to health services.
Funded by a grant from the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation, the upgraded clinic is better equipped to meet the growing dental needs of students, their families, and surrounding community members.
Eastman Dental at School 17 now features new dental chairs, lighting, and diagnostic equipment designed to enhance patient comfort and improve the delivery of high-quality care. A new panoramic x-ray machine and intraoral scanners allow for faster, more precise diagnosis and treatment. An updated sterilization area and lab space improve safety and clinical quality.
One of several in the Rochester community, this clinic alone serves some 5,000 patients a year—many of whom rely on Medicaid and often face long wait times due to a shrinking number of providers who accept state insurance. With more dental clinics closing and fewer options available, the renovated facility helps fill a critical gap in care.
“This clinic plays an essential role in addressing health disparities in Rochester,” said Holly Barone, chief operations officer at Eastman Institute for Oral Health. “We’re grateful to the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation for supporting these upgrades and allowing us to provide better and faster care in a setting that’s trusted by the community.”
The clinic also provides opportunities for dentists to gain advanced training and experience working in a public health setting. This dual mission—serving immediate community needs while preparing future dentists to work in underserved areas—is part of Eastman’s broader effort to respond to the state’s oral health crisis.
“By improving this community resource, the clinic not only supports better oral health outcomes—it also contributes to a more equitable healthcare system for families who need it most,” added Ms. Barone.
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