BURLINGAME, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Peninsula Health Care District and Apple Tree Dental are proud to announce a leadership change to local management of the Center for Dental Health. Apple Tree Dental California, which operates two dental clinics in San Mateo County, is announcing a leadership transition, with local leaders from the Peninsula Health Care District and Half Moon Bay now leading the organization. Beginning today, an expanded team of local leaders will begin governing and managing the innovative nonprofit organization which was launched in 2015, as a partnership between the Peninsula Health Care District and Apple Tree Dental, based in Minnesota.
“We’ve been working closely with the Peninsula Health Care District and have reached a mutual agreement that establishes strong local leadership for these Centers,” said Dr. Michael Helgeson, the organization’s outgoing Chief Executive Officer. According to Dr. Bonnie Jue, who will continue in her role as Chief Operating Officer and Dental Director, “We are well prepared for this leadership transition, and we look forward to deepening our local roots and community partnerships.” Mr. Nigel Taverner, who will continue in his role as the organization’s Board Chair, said, “Our patients and partners, both in Half Moon Bay and in San Mateo can continue to expect great care in the months ahead.”
“Since the launch of the San Mateo Center for Dental Health in 2015, the need to establish strong local leadership, to tailor programs and services to meet local needs, and to build broad support to sustain the program has been clear,” said Dr. Lawrence Cappel, the Peninsula Health Care District’s Board Chair. With today’s announcement, the program has reached an important milestone and is well poised for future growth. “The Peninsula Health Care District is proud of the impact we’re making to address a major health need for our residents, and we look forward to building broad support for the program in the years ahead,” said Dr. Cappel.
The Peninsula Health Care District, the San Mateo County Oral Health Coalition, and others have documented wide gaps in access to dental care, impacting thousands of children, adults and elders in San Mateo County. Without access to dental care, many people end up seeking care in emergency rooms or experiencing general health complications. In 2014, the Peninsula Health Care District provided lead funding to launch the San Mateo Center, and helped secure additional support from the Sequoia Healthcare District and other funders. The San Mateo Center opened in 2015, joined forces with the Sonrisas Center, and has established collaborations with many community organizations to meet unmet dental care needs.
About Peninsula Health Care District
Founded in 1947, the Peninsula Health Care District serves the communities of San Bruno, Millbrae, Burlingame, Hillsborough, San Mateo and Foster City by supporting the unique health and wellness priorities of our vibrant Peninsula communities, and safeguarding access to health care services, today and in the future. PHCD fulfills its commitment to the community through oversight of District assets and infrastructure, planning for future health care needs, and investing taxpayer dollars in local health-focused organizations and programs. To learn more about PHCD, visit www.peninsulahealthcaredistrict.org.