In partnership with the Ohio Department of Health (ODH), the Charitable Healthcare Network (CHN) is pleased to announce Shanetta Sutton, DDS as the 2023 Free Clinic Dentist of the Year Award winner. Dr. Sutton is a dentist at Good Neighbor House (GHN) in Dayton and a member of the organization’s administrative staff.
“Dr. Sutton is a bright and uplifting presence for the staff, a skilled professional for our patients, and a critical part of our Dental program. Because of her, GNH has reached and is maintaining a level of service and number of provided visits that rises above even that which we achieved before the pandemic. She is an indispensable part of the GNH family,” read the nomination for this award.
Dr. Sutton was born and raised in Dayton and graduated from Patterson Cooperative High School in 1989, Tennessee State University in 1995 (BS), and Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry in 2000 (DDS). Sutton completed her GPR at The Dayton Veterans Administration in 2001. Over the years, Dr. Sutton has worked throughout the Miami Valley providing service to the uninsured and underserved. In 2005, Sutton opened her private practice, which she maintained for 17 years. After the pandemic, Dr. Sutton discovered the immense need for service in public health, which inspired her to close her private practice and serve as a full-time dentist at The Good Neighbor House after volunteering there for 15 years. She led GNH’s dental team to significant increases in services provided and is a crucial part of the return of Hygiene services to the dental clinic after its remodel in 2022.
Good Neighbor House (GNH), located in Dayton, Ohio, offers a full range of Human and Health Services to the community through collaborating with many local agencies. GNH’s services include a Dental clinic, Medical clinic, Eye clinic, Special Dietary Needs Program, Counseling, Pharmaceutical Dispensary, and a Food Pantry. More details about Good Neighbor House can be found at goodneighborhouse.org.
The Ohio Legislature, through H.B. 320 of the 130th General Assembly, designated December as Free Clinic Appreciation Month (FCAM) in Ohio. As part of Free Clinic Appreciation Month, the Charitable Healthcare Network and the Ohio Department of Health recognize the accomplishments of Ohio's free clinics with Free Clinic Award presentations.
