Thundermist Health Center purchases building for West Warwick Dental Practice
Warwick – December 9, 2019
Thundermist Health Center purchased 1 Washington Street in West Warwick, RI to expand its West Warwick dental practice. The property also includes 5 Washington Street. The building will be extensively renovated to house an 8,700 square foot dental practice. The new practice will add six operatories for a total of 18. It is expected to serve nearly 10,000 patients each year, an increase of 3,000 patients. More than 50 professionals will work in the building each day.
“Thundermist Health Center is committed to serving the community of West Warwick,” said Jeanne LaChance, president/CEO. “This purchase allows us to expand our dental practice to better meet patient demand while remaining in Arctic Village. We are proud to be part of the revitalization of this beautiful downtown area.”
Thundermist’s West Warwick dental practice is currently located in a leased building at 1219 Main Street. Dentists and hygienists provide a full range of comprehensive dental services to both children and adults.
Thundermist Health Center is one of the largest employers in West Warwick with 189 employees working in the town. More than 12 percent of these employees reside in West Warwick. Earlier this year, Thundermist implemented a minimum starting wage of $15 per hour.
“We are a source of well-paying, stable employment,” said Cynthia Farrell, AVP of human resources. “We see employees come to Thundermist and grow their careers. Their professional development benefits them, their families, and the community.”
In 2018, Thundermist Health Center, a non-profit organization, paid nearly $135,000 to the Town of West Warwick for property taxes on 186 Providence Street, the location of its West Warwick medical and behavioral health practice. This number will increase once the new building is renovated and reassessed.
Thundermist Health Center is a full-service primary care provider with dental and behavioral health services. The non-profit community health center aims to improve the health of patients and communities by delivering exceptional health care, removing barriers to that care, and advancing healthy lifestyles. Thundermist has locations in West Warwick, Woonsocket, and South County. The organization cares for patients regardless of insurance and ability to pay. In 2018, Thundermist cared for more than 48,000 patients.