Ann Arbor, MI — March 1, 2011 — The Dean of the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Dr. Peter Polverini, today announced the appointment of Dr. Bonita Neighbors as the new director of the Community Dental Center.  Located in downtown Ann Arbor at 406 N. Ashley, the Center has been providing affordable, high quality dental services to Washtenaw County residents of all ages since 1981.

Dr. Neighbors earned her dental degree from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry in 1986.  She served as dental director of the southern region for the Michigan Department of Corrections for the past 23 years, supervising 30 dentists at 23 correctional facility clinics from the I-96 corridor to the Michigan-Ohio border.  As CDC director, Neighbors will supervise six, including dentists and staff.

Neighbors said she is confident that her dental experiences at correctional facilities — working with diverse groups of patients and supervising a diverse group of employees — will help her in her new role. 

“The Center has a long history of dealing with diverse populations in Washtenaw County and providing competent, high-quality oral health care,” she said.  “We want everyone who comes to the Center, and it doesn’t matter if they are homeless or a white collar worker who may have lost their job and insurance, to feel welcome and comfortable when they come here for treatment.”

Neighbors said one of her major roles with the Center will be “increasing its visibility in the community.”  She said working with the Center’s Board of Directors, “I plan to talk to as many community service organizations and primary care providers throughout Washtenaw County as I can, apply for grants, and work with dental students from the U-M School of Dentistry.”

In addition to working with the Board of Directors, Neighbors will also collaborate with Dr. Stephen Stefanac, associate dean for Patient Services.  “Dr. Neighbors is a welcome addition to our team,” he said.  “Her strong administrative skills, knowledge of communities and underserved populations, and clinical skills will significantly help us, and those who come to the Center for care.”

The Center is open Monday and Wednesday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; Tuesday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to noon.  For more information call (734) 998-9640.