YATES CENTER — While maybe not immediately apparent, changes have come to Yates Center Dental. The business, located in downtown Yates Center, was recently acquired by Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center (SEKMHC).
According to a statement from SEKMHC, the acquisition is a pivotal step in its “mission to deliver comprehensive, integrated healthcare service to the community of Southeast Kansas.” The acquisition was effective Feb. 1.
Yates Center Dental will continue business as usual. Same name. Same services. And the same team of Dr. Matthew Standridge and his staff.
“We hope patients will have the same great experience they have always had at Yates Center Dental,” said Nathan Fawson, Chief Executive Officer of SEKMHC.
“Our goal is whole person care, where we can better treat and support our patients.”
It may be more accurate to say that SEKMHC has experienced the most significant change from the acquisition. Fawson noted that this will be the first time SEKMHC has offered dental services.
“Our mission has always been to provide comprehensive and compassionate care that addresses the full spectrum of our patients’ needs,” he said. “By adding a dental service to our offerings, we ensure that our patients receive the highest level of care in all aspects of their health — mental, physical, and dental.”
Oral health plays an important role in overall wellness, said Fawson. With the addition of Yates Center Dental, SEKMHC can expand its commitment to whole-person care. By integrating dental services with its existing mental health and primary care offerings, Fawson notes that SEKMHC continues to remove barriers to quality healthcare and improve accessibility for residents throughout Southeast Kansas.
Fawson added that Yates Center Dental patients can expect a seamless transition. Patients will continue receiving care from the same team of dental professionals, but also gain access to an expanded network of integrated healthcare services which include mental health care and primary care services.
This acquisition is another step in SEKMHC’s ongoing efforts to transform healthcare delivery in the area. In 2023, SEKMHC collaborated with Ashley Clinic to integrate mental and physical health services.
