Zufall Health Unveils New Dental Suite at Plainsboro Open House
Expanded Access Underscores the Value of Community Health Centers During National Health Center Week
On August 7, dozens of health care leaders and elected officials gathered at Zufall Health – Plainsboro for an open house and ribbon cutting, marking the addition of dental care to the facility. The event, aligned with National Health Center Week, highlighted the essential role community health centers like Zufall play in providing affordable, high-quality care to those in need.
Located on the Penn Medicine Princeton Health (PMPH) campus, Zufall Health – Plainsboro has served thousands of patients since opening in 2021. With the recent addition of two state-of-the-art dental exam rooms, Plainsboro becomes Zufall’s ninth dental site, offering services including preventive exams, cleanings, prosthetics, and restorative treatments for all ages—regardless of insurance status or ability to pay.
“The new dental suite represents a major step forward in expanding access to urgently needed services,” said Zufall’s President and CEO Fran Palm. Celebrating this expansion during National Health Center Week, this year themed ‘Powering Communities Through Caring Connections,’ could not be more appropriate. We deeply appreciate the support of our community leaders in celebrating this milestone and generosity of the Hospital in funding the renovations and equipment for the new suite.”
Guests enjoyed touring the facility and seeing the new dental suites, where providers like Zufall Dentist Riffat Haider, DMD, will provide high-quality care. Credit: Shotwell Productions
Jennifer L. Hollander, RN, DNP, CMSRN, CLSSG, Director of Patient Care Services at Penn Medicine Princeton Health, added, “Over the past three years, our partnership with Zufall has significantly improved access to care in central New Jersey. The addition of dental services further strengthens this collaboration, and we are proud to support it.”
Key guests included Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) and Assemblywoman Tennille R. McCoy (D-14), the latter of whom presented a proclamation she authored with colleagues NJ Senator Linda Greenstein (D-14) and Assemblyman Wayne D’Angelo (D-14). Governor Phil Murphy also sent a proclamation commending the health center on its achievement.
“Zufall Health epitomizes what it means to be part of a community,” said Congresswoman Coleman, who led the ribbon cutting. “Community means taking care of your neighbor, offering a helping hand, especially when they are sick or hurt. The opening of this newest facility will not only expand their reach but strengthen our communities by ensuring access to quality health care.”
The dental suite was generously funded by Penn Medicine Princeton Health. Left to right: Fran Palm – Zufall Health President and CEO and Penn Medicine Princeton Health leadership: Barbara R. Edwards, MD, MPH – Academic Director, Ambulatory Medical Residency Program, Barbara Yost – Former Vice President, Continuum of Care Services, Carol Norris-Smith – Vice President of Marketing, Karyn Book – Chief Nursing Officer Karyn Book, and Jennifer L. Hollander RN, DNP, CMSRN, CLSS – Director of Patient Care Services Credit: Shotwell Productions
The event was part of Zufall’s celebration of National Health Center Week, a campaign that honors the achievements of the nation’s 1400 community health centers. As the largest network of primary care providers in the U.S. that serve 32.5 million patients annually, health centers play a crucial role in alleviating the burden on the health care system by offering affordable preventive services, managing chronic conditions, and addressing social determinants of health. The event was generously underwritten by Aetna Better Health of New Jersey, BD, Benco Dental, Brio Benefit Consulting, Cooperman Barnabas Health Center/RWJBarnabas Health, County of Essex New Jersey, Delta Dental of New Jersey Foundation, Daiichi-Sankyo, Day Pitney LLP, Eastern Janitorial Service, Fingerpaint, Fulton Bank, Henry O. Baker Insurance, Henry Schein, Horizon BCBS, LabCorp, Penn Medicine Princeton Health, Provident Bank, Riker Danzig LLP, Toni’s Kitchen, United Healthcare, Valley Bank.
Above: A commemorative ribbon cutting marks the addition of dental services at Zufall Health – Plainsboro. Left to right: Fran Palm – Zufall Health President and CEO, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Member Margaret Zufall-Roberts – Zufall Health Board of Directors, Assemblywoman Tennille R. McCoy (D-14), Adriana Espina de Sanchez – Zufall Health – Plainsboro Site Manager, Dentist Riffat Haider, DMD – Zufall Health Dentist, Jennifer L. Hollander, RN, DNP, CMSRN, CLSSG – Director of Patient Care Services, Penn Medicine Princeton Health, and Tania Asmal – Zufall Health Outreach Representative. Credit: Shotwell Productions