Dr. Aimn Abbasi, a dentist with 10 years of experience, has joined the Community Dental Clinic in Martinsville.
Dr. Abbasi comes from Lynchburg, where she was the clinic director at Aspen Dental. Previously, she was a dentist at Health First Family Care Center in Fall River, MA. She completed her residency at Boston University and received Post-Graduate Certification from Marquette University after her initial dentistry training in her native Pakistan
“Dr. Abbasi is well-trained with a solid base of experience in community dentistry,” said Dr. Mark Crabtree, president of the Piedmont Virginia Dental Health Foundation, which operates the Clinic on Fayette Street.
“I am delighted to practice dentistry in Martinsville and to become a resident of the community,” said Dr. Abbasi. “Having a quality dental clinic that serves the underserved is a major asset for Martinsville and Henry County. The opportunity to practice dentistry in this environment and to supervise dental students is tremendous.”
Dr. Abbasi and her parents have moved to Martinsville.
“We already feel at home, with a friendly community supporting us,” she said.
Dr. Abbasi replaces Dr. Jim Hartigan, who has retired after 41 years in dentistry.
“Dr. Hartigan is a professional of the highest integrity,” said Dr. Crabtree. “I am most grateful for his service.”
The clinic opened in 2005 to provide dental care to low-income adults and children, based on a sliding fee scale. The average fee is approximately $25. The clinic has provided more than $12.5 million in services since opening 15 years ago. The clinic handles approximately 5,000 patient visits annually. Local dentists in the community also volunteer at the clinic.
Fourth year students from the VCU School of Dentistry will treat patients under Dr. Abbasi’s supervision. “The students gain practical experience in Martinsville and an understanding of the importance of meeting the needs of underserved members of a community,” said Dr. Crabtree.
The Dental Foundation also supports students studying dental hygiene, dental assisting and the Community Dental Health Coordinator (in conjunction with Patrick Henry Community College) to provide a variety of occupational training in Martinsville.
The Harvest Foundation is the lead financial partner of the Dental Health Foundation. Without the financial support of the Harvest Foundation, the Dental Clinic would not exist. Donations from businesses, non-profit organizations and individuals complete the fundraising program that keeps open the clinic.
For more information, visit www.piedmontdental.org.
