UnityPoint Health – St. Luke’s Hospital and Eastern Iowa Health Center (EIHC) announced Tuesday that St. Luke’s Dental Health Center will transition its operations to EIHC, a federally qualified health center, effective May 17.
The move is intended to ensure the continued delivery and future expansion of high-quality, accessible dental care for all ages in the Cedar Rapids community.
For more than 50 years, St. Luke’s Dental Health Center has provided comprehensive dental services, currently focusing on pediatric patients age 16 and under with an emphasis on prevention and education. EIHC was chosen as a partner due to its experience serving dental patients across their lifespan and its ability to grow the program.
“St. Luke’s has a long and proud history of providing dental care to children who need it most,” said Casey Greene, President of UnityPoint Health – St. Luke’s Hospital. “In Eastern Iowa Health Center, we have found a trusted partner with the expertise, capacity and mission alignment to not only continue this important work, but to expand it.”
As part of the transition, EIHC plans to recruit additional dentists and increase patient capacity. Dental care is a core service for EIHC, and the transition will strengthen access to care across the region.
“This is an exciting opportunity to build on an already strong foundation,” said Joe Lock, President and CEO of Eastern Iowa Health Center. “We are honored to continue the legacy of St. Luke’s Dental Health Center and to expand access to care for more patients in our community.”
The organizations expect a seamless transition for both patients and staff.
The pediatric clinic will remain at its current location at 855 A Avenue NE on the St. Luke’s campus, while EIHC’s main adult clinic will continue at 1210 4th Avenue SE. The clinic will retain its name as a tribute to Dr. Rhys B. Jones, who dedicated his career to improving the dental health of low-income children.
