This article is one in a series spotlighting UNMC’s economic impact throughout the state of Nebraska.
Imagine driving two hours just to see the dentist.
That’s what most people living in rural Nebraska have to do.
Economic impact
It’s estimated that UNMC graduates working throughout Nebraska generate an economic impact of $3.9 billion. The impact by profession breaks down like this:
- physicians have a $2.7 billion impact or $1.3 million per graduate;
- dentists ($534 million total/$750,000 per grad);
- pharmacists ($339.9 million/$300,000 per grad);
- advanced practice registered nurses ($147 million/$250,000 per grad);
- physician assistants ($134.7 million/$250,000 per grad); and
- physical therapists ($111.4 million/$200,000 per grad).
And that’s why Kelly Russell, D.D.S., 28, and Adam Anderson, D.D.S., 27, decided to open Sandhills Family Dental in Valentine, Neb., a town of 2,789 people situated along the South Dakota border in the north central part of the state. They also operate a satellite office in Mullen, Neb.
Sandhills Family Dental treats adults and children in one of the largest counties in the state with the fewest options for dental care.
“It’s so important for people to have access to dental care close to home,” Dr. Russell said. “There are many people who would probably neglect their dental health if they had to drive two hours every time they had an appointment.”
Sandhills Family Dental also is the only practice within a 150-mile radius that accepts new Medicaid patients, Dr. Anderson said, another plus for the residents living in Valentine and the surrounding communities of Cherry County.
Drs. Russell and Anderson, 2013 graduates of the UNMC College of Dentistry, make a point to be active members of the community, selling concessions at high school activities, taking part in fundraisers for Cherry County Hospital, coaching basketball and mentoring students through a local church.
“We love our town and we want to do all we can to keep it growing and thriving,” Dr. Anderson said.
For more information about the economic impact of UNMC click here.
Kudos to Drs. Russell and Anderson for being committed to their community – this was a wonderful story to read!
Thanks 4 being part of this vast county