Low-Cost Dental Clinic Pitched In Cumberland

CUMBERLAND, Md. (AP) -- A government agency is proposing a low-cost oral health clinic in Cumberland that would be based in the former Memorial Hospital building.

The Cumberland Times-News reports that the Western Maryland Area Health Education Center is working with dentists in western Maryland, Hyndman, Pa., and Mineral County, W.Va., to establish the clinic and satellite offices.

The main clinic would have at least six dental chairs. It would operate six days a week and charge $25 to $35 per visit for many people.

Planners say oral health is the region's most pressing health care need.

The city-owned hospital was vacated in 2010 when the Western Maryland Health System opened a new medical center. City officials recently said they would consider demolishing it unless more tenants are found.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)