New York City is expected to shut down 46 free dental clinics -- many located within public schools -- as part of Mayor Michael Bloomberg's efforts to balance the city's budget.
The City Council was expected this week to vote in favor of closing the clinics, according to a story in the New York Daily News. City officials have argued that closing the clinics would save $2.5 million and that families can get dental care through Medicaid, the paper reported.
The program serves about 17,000 children and offers free care ranging from tooth cleanings to root canals.
The program's 34 full- and part-time dentists -- some of whom have been with the program for more than 20 years -- have already been told they will be laid off September 12, according to the story. The Health Department also began shutting school-based clinics in May.
The city reportedly has been scaling back the program for years, replacing full-service sites with mobile units that provide only preventative services.
Several community-based providers have expressed interest in taking over practices at 35 of the sites and offering free care, according to the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
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