Parker, Brookdale, and Monmouth County Open First-of-Its-Kind Free Dental Clinic

Parker Family Health Center, Brookdale Community College, and the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners celebrated the opening of New Jersey’s first free dental clinic of its kind with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new dental clinic located on Brookdale Community College’s campus in Lincroft.

State health officials, elected representatives, community leaders, healthcare professionals, volunteers, and supporters gathered to mark a significant milestone in expanding access to oral healthcare while strengthening the local healthcare workforce.

With support from the State, the new clinic was created through a unique partnership between Parker Family Health Center, Brookdale Community College, and the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners. The clinic will provide free dental services to low-income Monmouth County residents who lack access to dental insurance while also serving as a hands-on training site for the next generation of dental professionals.

“Access to affordable dental care is one of the most pressing healthcare challenges facing our community,” said Suzy Dyer, Executive Director of Parker Family Health Center. “This clinic represents an innovative solution that not only improves access to essential oral healthcare for thousands of residents but also helps build the workforce needed to meet future demand.”

The need is substantial. More than 31,000 Monmouth County residents are uninsured and often delay care until conditions become emergencies. According to the American Dental Association, approximately 85,000 county residents between the ages of 19 and 64 lack dental insurance. Among adults age 65 and older, 56 percent do not have dental coverage, largely because traditional Medicare does not include routine dental benefits.

State officials estimate that more than 120,000 Monmouth County residents lack dental insurance, including more than 40,000 adults between the ages of 19 and 64 and approximately 82,000 seniors.

These gaps in coverage contribute to worsening oral health, increased emergency room utilization, and significant health disparities among vulnerable populations.

The clinic also addresses a growing workforce shortage in dentistry. Brookdale currently offers certification programs in dental assisting and dental radiology, but students must travel off-site to complete required clinical training. The new facility will provide those experiences on campus while supporting the launch of Brookdale’s new dental hygiene licensure program—the first such program in Monmouth County.

“Brookdale is proud to partner in an initiative that expands access to dental care while strengthening the healthcare workforce,” said Dr. David M. Stout, President of Brookdale Community College. “This clinic complements our dental assisting and dental radiology programs, as well as the dental hygiene program we are currently building, by providing valuable hands-on learning opportunities while serving residents who otherwise may not have access to care.”

With more than 50 dental hygienist positions currently open throughout the county, the program is expected to help train and retain skilled professionals locally while expanding access to care for underserved residents.

Dr. Robert Cheslock, Founder and Board Member of Parker Family Health Center, called the partnership transformational.

“The marriage of a volunteer free clinic and a community college providing care—while giving birth to professionals who will further the delivery of dental care—is sensational, if not unprecedented,” said Cheslock. “This clinic represents years of vision, planning, and collaboration, and I could not be prouder of what has been accomplished.”

Monmouth County Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone praised the collaboration and community impact of the project.

“We live in one of the best counties in the nation, but not everyone has access to the resources many of us take for granted,” said Arnone. “This clinic is about providing a service people need. It demonstrates what can happen when government, education, healthcare providers, and community leaders work together to improve lives.”

U.S. Congressman Frank Pallone Jr., in a statement read by District Director Matthew Montekio, commended the partnership for addressing critical healthcare needs while creating educational opportunities.

“This collaboration to provide essential dental care to underserved populations while creating hands-on learning experiences for Brookdale students is truly a cause for celebration,” Pallone said. “This partnership leads by example, and the critical gap in care it addresses reinforces why affordable and accessible healthcare continues to be a major priority for me in Congress.”

Among the state leaders attending was Nashon Hornsby, Deputy Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Health and a Brookdale alumnus, who spoke about the broader oral health challenges facing New Jersey.

“Oral health is often the most overlooked area of healthcare, yet it is essential to overall health and quality of life,” said Hornsby. “We know that approximately 2 million New Jersey residents lack dental coverage, and many veterans face significant barriers to accessing care. This clinic represents a monumental step forward, creating another place where people can access care in a world-class facility. Equally important, it will help train the next generation of dental professionals needed to serve communities across New Jersey.”

Linda Schwimmer, President and CEO of the New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute, emphasized the importance of oral health as a foundation for overall well-being.

“There is no good health without oral health,” said Schwimmer. “This partnership is creating healthier lives for residents while providing a model that communities across New Jersey can learn from as they work to address growing healthcare needs.”

Assemblywoman Dr. Margie Donlon highlighted the impact of preventive dental care on long-term health outcomes.

“As a physician, I’ve seen firsthand how access to healthcare, or lack of it, can shape every aspect of a person’s life,” said Donlon. “It affects not only someone’s immediate well-being, but their ability to work, provide for their family, and plan for their future. That is why expanding access to healthcare continues to be one of our top legislative priorities.”

Assemblywoman Luanne Peterpaul described the clinic as a compassionate response to an urgent need.

“This project is transformational, innovative, and compassionate,” said Peterpaul. “It reflects what can be achieved when partners come together to ensure that no one is left behind because they lack insurance, resources, or access to care.”

The volunteer-driven clinic, overseen by Dr. William “Bill” Lieberman with Dr. Paul Peduto serving as Clinical Director, will be supported by volunteer dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, and Brookdale faculty and students. Services will include preventive care, cleanings, fillings, X-rays, simple extractions, and oral health education.

“It is a privilege to live in a community that cares about the health of its population.” said Lieberman. “This joint venture between, Parker, Brookdale, and our local government is a model for others to follow.” 

The clinic builds upon Parker Family Health Center’s long-standing mission of providing free healthcare services to uninsured and underinsured residents. Last year alone, Parker provided more than 20,000 patient visits through the support of hundreds of volunteers and community partners.

“This clinic demonstrates what can be accomplished when education, healthcare, government, and community organizations work together toward a common goal,” said Dyer. “Together, we are improving health outcomes, creating career pathways, and ensuring that every resident has access to the care they deserve.”