How Russell County Saved Its Sole Dental Practice
When Russell County in Kansas faced losing its only dental practice, a mix of innovation and teamwork kept local care alive. Discover how a dentist’s retirement sparked a county-wide effort to ensure smiles stay healthy.
When Michael Jones, DDS, contemplated retiring from his dental practice in Russell, Kansas, he wasn’t just closing a chapter on a long career — he was putting the county’s only dental clinic at risk. Without Russell Dental Care, residents would need to travel 30 minutes or more to access basic oral healthcare, creating logistical and economic burdens for this rural community.
Thankfully, Russell County didn’t give up. Thanks to the University of Kansas’ RedTire (Redefine Your Retirement) program and collaborative efforts from local organizations, the practice is thriving under new management.
RedTire, which connects retiring business owners with qualified buyers, played a pivotal role in the transition. The program partnered with the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry to match graduates with practices like Jones’. Despite setbacks with two potential buyers, the Russell Regional Hospital and the Russell County Area Community Foundation (RCACF) stepped in to secure a solution.
The RCACF provided a $100,000 grant, enabling the hospital to acquire and manage the practice, ensuring residents wouldn’t lose their local dental services. Jones praised the RedTire program for its in-depth financial assessment, which provided confidence to buyers and sellers alike. Now retired, he feels reassured knowing his patients continue to receive quality care close to home.
Russell Dental Care’s survival is a beacon of hope for rural communities grappling with similar challenges. With creativity, collaboration, and resources like RedTire, maintaining essential healthcare services is achievable — even in the smallest of towns. Click here to read more.
