Dr. Covato Celebrates 15 Years of Service at NSCHC
From a two-chair clinic to a cornerstone of community care, the founder of NSCHC’s dental department has delivered healthier smiles on Pittsburgh’s Northside for 15 years.
For 15 years, Dr. Lucia Covato, DMD, has helped make quality dental care accessible to thousands of Northside residents, many of whom might otherwise have gone without it. At its September meeting, the North Side Christian Health Center (NSCHC) Board of Directors joined CEO Bethany Blackburn, staff, and the patients and community served by the Health Center in recognizing Dr. Covato’s milestone. She was presented with an engraved commemorative plate in honor of her 15 years of dedicated service.
"Reflecting on the past 15 years, I am deeply humbled to live out our call to Christian stewardship,” said Dr. Covato. “I feel a profound gratitude for the privilege of sharing in our patients' lives and walk away from each day inspired by their trust. I am incredibly proud to be a part of North Side Christian Health Center's talented team, and a dedicated part of the North Side community, and I look forward to serving our neighbors with love and excellence for many years to come."
Building a Program from the Ground Up
Dr. Covato joined NSCHC in 2011, and established the Health Center’s dental department to address a significant need for accessible oral health care in the community. What began as a two-operatory program grew steadily under her leadership. In 2020, she led an expansion from two operatories to four, doubling the department’s capacity and the number of patients who could be seen. “North Side Christian Health Center is extremely fortunate to have such a knowledgeable, dedicated and compassionate dentist lead the department,” said NSCHC CEO Bethany Blackburn. “It would not be where it is today without her.”
Reaching Those Who Need Care Most
Throughout her career at NSCHC, Dr. Covato has focused on at-risk, high-need, and underserved patients. She has partnered with homeless shelters and recovery residences to provide much-needed dental care to individuals in transition. With or without the help of social services or care navigation, she has found creative ways to identify the resources patients need to receive and pay for their treatment. When the COVID-19 pandemic created new obstacles to care, Dr. Covato made sure patients were not left behind. Thanks to her efforts, dental care was offered at NSCHC’s satellite facility in Northview Heights, an isolated public housing community, reaching patients who otherwise would not have received care.
One Center, One Team
Dr. Covato’s influence extends well beyond the dental chair. For years she has championed NSCHC’s Quality and Risk Committees and pushed for full integration of medical, dental, and behavioral health services, so that the Health Center functions as one center and one team, serving under one mission. Today, cross-disciplinary screening and care is a standard at NSCHC for any patient on any given day. Colleagues also know her as a mentor to fellow clinicians and support staff. Patients know her for her gentle, patient chairside manner and genuine respect for every person who walks through the Health Center’s doors, qualities that have earned the trust of families across generations. Her commitment to prevention, education, and outreach has improved the health and confidence of children, adults, and seniors throughout the community.
Recognized Across Pennsylvania and Beyond
In 2021, Dr. Covato was honored by the Pennsylvania Association of Community Health Centers (PACHC) with an APEX Award as Outstanding Primary Care Clinician, an award recognizing clinicians whose work makes a significant contribution to the delivery of primary care to vulnerable populations.
In 2014, she received the Outstanding Clinician Award from the National Network for Oral Health Access (NNOHA).
In 2026, she was recognized as Leader of the Year, a meaningful award as she was nominated by the staff of NSCHC.
Dr. Covato has lent her expertise to the wider dental field as well, serving on the United Concordia Dental Advisory Committee, the Gateway Community Advisory Committee, and the Dental Advisory Board of a local college.
Congratulations, Dr. Covato, and thank you for 15 years of opening doors to healthier smiles, greater confidence, and compassionate dental care on Pittsburgh’s Northside!
