Dr. Tim Verheren and Current Dental in Bremerton have launched a new dental program that provides low-cost dental care for those who can’t afford dental insurance.

Dental Health Rewards has been under a pilot program by Verheren, a Bainbridge Island resident, and his partners over the last year in Bremerton.

Patients receive basic preventative care and a steep discount on procedures at a cost considerably less than what they might pay to an insurance company, Verheren said.

“Over 150 patients have had great success with the program and 98 percent have chosen to renew for a second year,” he said.

He said the pilot program removes the “insurance middleman” from the dentist-patient relationship.

“Our intention is to eventually teach other dental practices what we have done here and have a lasting impact on the dental industry.”