Nature And Evolution of Dental Services at a Community Health Center Before, During, and After the COVID 19 Pandemic (January 2018–March 2026)

Abstract

Community Health Centers (CHCs) serve as a cornerstone of oral healthcare delivery for underserved populations. This retrospective service delivery analysis examines the nature and volume of dental services provided at a community health center from January 2018 through March 2026, spanning four distinct phases: pre COVID 19, peak pandemic emergency only care, declining pandemic recovery, and post pandemic normalization. Aggregate encounter and billing data were extracted from the electronic health record and billing systems with assistance from the institutional information technology department. Despite stable clinic infrastructure, service utilization and procedure mix shifted substantially across pandemic phases, reflecting both public health restrictions and workforce variability. These findings underscore the resilience of CHC dental programs and their essential role in maintaining oral healthcare access during prolonged public health crises.