Immokalee utility company tackles dental care crisis with innovative approach

IMMOKALEE, Fla.—A utility company in Immokalee is turning controversy into compassion by addressing a significant issue in the community. Immokalee Water and Sewer District is working to address the lack of dental care facilities in the area.

Florida Gulf Coast University social work professor Thomas Felke highlighted the problem on a countywide scale.

"It is actually the worst ratio of practitioners to residents than even primary care physicians or mental health physicians. Dental is the worst in terms of that ratio," said Felke.

Currently, there are no regularly practicing dentists in Immokalee, creating a dire need for oral healthcare. The utility company decided last year to stop adding fluoride to the drinking water due to the divisive data surrounding its use.

They redirected the savings from not buying fluoride by partnering with the Florida Health Care Network, which regularly visits Immokalee to provide dental care.  Last year, they offered $4,000 in dental care and plan to contribute another $4,000 in 2026.

"I think one of the things we need to, we need to get a better handle on is a good needs and assets assessment of what does and does not exist in Immokalee," said Felke. "You do have some really great programs that are operating out there, but that's not going to solve all the problems."

For now, the Immokalee Water and Sewer District is doing its part to address the community's needs.

"You don't often hear stories about utility companies doing something like this," said a representative from the utility company. "And that's what we're trying to do. We're trying to be different from everybody else but not keep it to ourselves."