Comprehensive Dental Services
Pillars Community Health’s dental services include:
- Preventive care: Exams, cleanings, dental sealants, fluoride treatments, and digital X-rays
- Restorative care: Fillings and extractions
- Emergency care: Immediate treatment for dental emergencies
- Specialized treatments: Silver Diamine Fluoride application and lifesaving oral cancer screenings (with referrals to medical providers as needed)
- Monitoring for diabetic patients: Addressing their unique oral health needs
- Patient education: Customized guidance provided at every visit
Advancing Accessibility: Training and Vision
In April 2023, Dr. Berenice Lopez, Vice President of Dental Services at Pillars Community Health, along with the PCH Dental Team, participated in a specialized training program at New York University College of Dentistry Oral Health Center for People with Disabilities. This three-day program, sponsored by the Delta Dental Foundation of Illinois (DDILF), included seminars and clinical training focused on improving care for individuals with physical and developmental disabilities who often face barriers to dental services.
Inspired by this experience, Dr. Lopez worked with the team to identify techniques and equipment that would better serve patients with disabilities. This “wish list” became a guiding vision for the new dental center.
Features of the New Dental Center
The new dental space at 321 North La Grange Road has expanded our capacity from 4 to 6 operatories, allowing us to serve more patients. In addition to increased capacity, the center includes a range of accessibility and comfort-focused features:
Enhanced Accessibility
- A spacious private exam room for added privacy and comfort
- Expanded space to accommodate patients who use wheelchairs, including a wheelchair tilt for those unable to transfer to a dental chair
- Operatory components for preventive and restorative care, including Cavitron, cordless prophy handpieces, and intraoral cameras
- Sensory-Friendly Adjustments
- Recognizing that patients with disabilities may experience sensory triggers at the dentist’s office, our new center offers:
- Soothing LED dimmable multicolored lighting
- Noise-canceling headphones and a white noise machine
- Entertainment tablets for distraction during procedures
- Weighted blankets, knee and neck support foam rolls, and fidget toys for comfort and security
- Soundproofing to reduce external noise
Patient-Centered Impact
These improvements have already made a difference in the lives of our patients. One patient shared, “For the first time, I felt truly comfortable during a dental visit. The team took the time to understand my needs, and the sensory-friendly tools made a huge difference.” This is why we do what we do—ensuring every patient feels cared for and understood.
Community Partnerships and Gratitude
We are deeply grateful to the Delta Dental Foundation of Illinois for their commitment to improving oral health care for all. Their partnership has been instrumental in making these advancements a reality and continues to inspire us to expand access to care for individuals with disabilities.
Continuing to Serve
These enhancements reflect our mission to ensure that every individual in our community—regardless of ability or circumstance—can access high-quality dental care in a welcoming environment.
If you or a loved one have specific needs, let us know when scheduling your appointment so we can provide the best possible experience. Our team is here to help. Ready to schedule your visit? New patients call 708-PILLARS or existing patients visit the Patient Portal to book your appointment today.
Together, we’re bridging gaps in care and creating healthier, stronger communities.