See the Obvious

Practice Solutions: When Doctors and Dentists Join

The clinic, locally called "Smoky Hill" for its historically hazy spot on the high plains, is at the forefront of a movement called "co-location," in which dentists, dental hygienists, physicians, and nurse practitioners share space -- and expertise. Last year, Smoky Hill had more than 29,000 medical visits from nearly 7,500 patients seeking care. More than a fourth of them got both medical and dental treatment. "I believe that number would be higher if we had more capacity in the dental clinic," Freelove said. "Two-thirds of our patients are either uninsured or underinsured when it comes to dental coverage."