Lincoln County Health Department Ends Dental Services, Citing Budget Limitations

TROY, Mo.— Patients who relied on the Lincoln County Health Department for dental care will need to find another provider after the department ended its dental program Monday.

The closure took effect Oct. 26. In an announcement released Tuesday, the department cited budget limitations and its long-term strategic priorities, saying the program had become increasingly difficult to sustain.

The announcement ends a service that provided dental care to Lincoln County residents for many years. The department said it is working with community partners and local dentists to help patients find alternatives.

“Our dental team has made a lasting difference in the health and well-being of our community,” Health Department Administrator Jesse Martens said in the release.

For current patients, the next steps include obtaining dental records and arranging continued care elsewhere.

The department said patients will be contacted directly about the closure, how to obtain their records and resources for finding another provider. A list of alternative local dental providers is available at lchdmo.org/dental-1.

“We are committed to ensuring a smooth transition for our patients and helping them connect with other local dental care providers,” Martens said.

The release did not identify how many patients are affected, provide financial figures behind the decision or explain what will happen to dental staff positions. It also did not detail how previously scheduled appointments or unfinished treatment plans will be handled.

Lincoln CountyWatch requested additional comment but had not received a response by publication.

The closure applies to the dental program. The health department said its other public health programs and services will continue.

The department thanked its dental staff, community partners and patients for supporting the program over the years.

This story will be updated if additional information becomes available.

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Source

• Lincoln County Health Department announcement dated Oct. 27, 2026.