Open house highlighted addition of dental care and new Mobile Medical unit

Above: Zufall executives and local leaders commemorate the addition of dental services in Somerville. Left to right: Christine Bonney – Director of Corporate Relations and Events, Zufall Health; Somerville Council Member Theresa Bonner; NJ State Assembly Minority Leader John DiMaio; Manville Mayor Richard M. Onderko; Somerset County Commissioner Sara Sooy; Somerville Mayor Brian Gallagher; Somerset County Commissioner Elizabeth Graner; Bill Shuler – Board of Directors Chair, Zufall Health and Board Treasurer, Zufall Health Foundation; Nashon Hornsby, Esq. – Deputy Commissioner of Population Health, New Jersey Department of Health; Fran Palm – President and CEO, Zufall Health; Jade Duncan, DDS, MEd, MBA – SVP of Dental Services, Zufall Health; Damon Koslow – Executive Director, Office of Primary Care and Rural Health, New Jersey Department of Health; David Woods, SVP of External Affairs and Foundation Director, Zufall Health. Photo Credit: Hal Brown

On Thursday, November 13, Zufall Health hosted an open house at its Somerville location. Zufall executives welcomed government officials, health care and nonprofit leaders, and philanthropic partners to tour the recently renovated 11,000-square-foot facility and learn about the impact of the services provided.

A highlight of the event was the ribbon cutting for the site’s four new, state-of-the-art dental operatories. Their recent addition completed Zufall’s longstanding goal to offer dental services at each of its medical sites. The connection between oral and overall health is well established, and by co-locating medical and dental care, Zufall helps reduce the barriers that often prevent patients from seeking or maintaining care in both areas.

Since opening in 2014 as Zufall’s first access point in Somerset County, the Somerville site has served more than 28,000 patients. As of 2024, most patients are Medicaid-insured or uninsured and earn incomes at or below twice the federal poverty level. Statewide, only about 30% of dentists accept patients enrolled in Medicaid, and even fewer provide care to uninsured patients on a sliding-fee scale.

In addition to Somerville, Zufall has provided dental services in Bridgewater in collaboration with the Richard Hall Community Health and Wellness Center since 2023. The health system’s forthcoming school-based health center in Franklin Township will also offer dental care. Left to right: Manville Mayor Richard M. Onderko; Jade Duncan, DDS, MEd, MBA – SVP of Dental Services, Zufall Health; David Woods – SVP of External Affairs and Foundation Director, Zufall Health; Bill Shuler – Board of Directors Chair, Zufall Health and Board Treasurer. Photo Credit: Hal Brown

“This expansion is fabulous,” said NJ State Assembly Minority Leader John DiMaio. “Federally qualified health centers have provided a very important service to the community. If people can’t afford care, they can find it here. And this is very important, especially in these days, when the cost of health care is unattainable for many.”

“Over the last 12 years, our Somerville office has become a well-respected source of affordable and quality care for people in need,” said Fran Palm, President and CEO of Zufall Health. “We’re deeply proud of the relationships we’ve built over the years and grateful for the partners who make our work possible. This open house was a wonderful opportunity to connect, celebrate our growth, and share the many ways Zufall is working to bring care closer to those who need it most.”

Mobile Medical Unit Unveiled

The newly licensed Zufall Health Mobile Medical unit, a 40-foot vehicle with two medical exam rooms that began serving patients in October, was also present at the event as part of its “On the Road for Good Health” tour. The vehicle replaces Zufall’s original Highlands Health Van, introduced 16 years ago to bring care directly to patients who face challenges reaching a traditional medical office.

The Mobile Medical joined the dental suite celebration as part of its “On the Road for Good Health” Tour. Photo Credit: Hal Brown

“Any time Zufall opens an access point or expands an access point, it is meaningful,” remarked Nashon Hornsby, Esq., Deputy Commissioner of Population Health for the NJDOH. “With the new Mobile Medical, Zufall isn’t just telling people ‘come in,’ but they are going out to where people are. And I’m so thrilled by Somerville’s new space for dental. The equipment is state-of-the-art, and I’m excited about the high-quality care we’re able to offer vulnerable populations in New Jersey through Zufall.”

Located at 71 Fourth Street, Zufall – Somerville office features 11 medical exam rooms, four dental operatories, and two behavioral health consult rooms. Learn more about the site here.