Photo caption: Dental hygienist Julia Nield counts Jasper Donahue’s teeth as State Senator Paul Honig and Brooker Memorial Executive Director Christina Emery look on during a tour of the pediatric dental center July 2. Photo courtesy of Brooker Memorial
TORRINGTON — Senator Paul Honig, D-Harwinton, visited Brooker Memorial on Wednesday to celebrate a special appropriation he championed in the newly adopted state budget signed by Governor Ned Lamont on Monday. As part of the biennial budget, Brooker Memorial will receive $100,000 in both FY2026 and FY2027 to support its growing pediatric dental program.
“It’s hard to imagine a more important mission than Brooker Memorial’s commitment to providing essential dental care to children in the Torrington area,” Senator Honig said. “That care takes financial support and with around 85% of their patients relying on Medicaid, recent federal actions have only added to the fiscal pressures they already face. I was proud to help secure state funding to support their work. At a time when many of our social safety nets are in jeopardy, it matters that Connecticut continues to invest in institutions that care for children and the most vulnerable among us.”
Brooker Memorial has long advocated at the state level for improved HUSKY Medicaid reimbursement rates, which have remained unchanged since 2007, despite raising costs for dental providers, supplies, insurance, and equipment. While specific increases to pediatric dental rates were not included in this year’s challenging budget session, lawmakers approved a broader $45 million increase to overall Medicaid funding over the next two years.
“We are deeply grateful for Senator Honig’s leadership in securing this funding for Brooker,” said Christina Emery, Executive Director of Brooker Memorial.
“This investment comes at a critical time, especially given the ongoing challenges posed by low Medicaid reimbursement rates for dental services. This funding is especially important as we work to meet the growing demand for access to dental care in our community. Dental care is essential; it helps alleviate pain, supports proper nutrition, prevents tooth loss, and
addresses speech difficulties. Left untreated, tooth decay can lead to serious long-term oral health problems, particularly for children.”
She noted that it remains unclear how the increased Medicaid funds will impact the state dental Medicaid program.
“More information will likely be forthcoming during a special legislative session when the state has more information on changes to federal Medicaid funding,” Ms. Emery said.
During his visit, Senator Honig toured Brooker’s dental and early childhood education centers.
The dental center served more than 5,000 patients in the past year, 85% of whom are on HUSKY Medicaid. Brooker’s early learning and child care center serves 75 children daily, offering care for up to 12 hours per day, Monday through Friday, including children supported by the state’s Care 4 Kids program.
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