February 2026
Every day, the staff at Primary Health Care (PHC) harness the power of collaboration to care for the needs of every patient who walks in their doors. “We provide a whole plethora of services for medical and social needs,” Dr. Taylor Postler, Dental Director, says as she walks through the medical, dental, and pharmacy spaces. “We can help a person with many aspects of their lives all in one facility.” By considering the diverse needs and life experiences of every patient, PHC is breaking down barriers to medical access in Story County and beyond.
For people who are uninsured or underinsured, routine dental care isn’t always accessible. “On the dental side, we see a lot of patients who maybe haven’t had any medical or dental services for a long time and are coming to see us because of an acute need. We see them for their dental needs but also screen for things like high blood pressure or diabetes, and if we see any of those things, then we can get them into our medical clinic, sometimes even on the same day.” By transferring between on-site departments, patients can quickly and confidently get all the care they need.
United Way of Story County (UWSC) invests in Primary Health Care’s dental services because access to basic oral health is foundational to overall well-being. Our collective well-being goal centers on meeting basic needs so individuals and families can move forward with stability and dignity. In Story County, dental resources for underinsured adults are extremely limited, making this investment especially critical. Without access to preventive and routine care, small issues often become painful emergencies that affect a person’s ability to work, learn, and care for their family.
Dr. Postler knows exactly why dental care is so important and wants to spread awareness in the community. “Your mouth really is the gateway to the rest of your body,” Dr. Postler explains. “There are a lot of connections, especially with many of the conditions we see more commonly. For example, oftentimes patients who have diabetes also have gum disease. So, managing gum disease can also help to manage their blood sugar levels and vice versa.” Dental care can also help diagnose other conditions. “Sometimes [gum disease] is how we catch diabetes in a patient who hasn’t seen a doctor in a long time.”
Comprehensive Care Under One Roof
Dr. Postler considers the life experiences that patients are coming in with. “We always have to keep in mind not only what different treatment options might be more accessible to a patient, but what else is going on in their lives. Do they drive two hours to get here? Do they need help brushing their teeth?” This care extends beyond the exam room. Patients frequently leave PHC with fresh fruits and vegetables, thanks to partnership with Mid-Iowa Community Action (MICA) and other local organizations.
Approaching health care in this comprehensive, holistic way benefits the entire community—not just individual patients. By addressing medical, dental, and social needs together, PHC helps people stay healthier, reduces emergency care costs, and empowers families to maintain stability in their daily lives. This kind of coordinated care embodies United Way of Story County’s vision for a connected and thriving community and has ripple effects across the community, supporting both physical well-being and financial security of our neighbors.
By supporting PHC’s dental clinic, UWSC is helping ensure that neighbors who might otherwise go without care have a trusted place to turn. This investment reflects our deep commitment to strengthening the health of our community — not just responding to crises, but proactively closing gaps in access. When we invest in essential services like dental care, we are investing in the long-term well-being, stability, and opportunity of Story County residents.