oUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS

Many older adults in long term care facilities suffer from cognitive decline or Parkinson's disease. Most of our older adult patients have their natural teeth, but do not have regular brushing habits due to memory loss, nervous system decline and lack of motor function. Studies show that many older adults living in nursing homes pass away each year due to oral bacteria aspirated into their lungs causing pneumonia.  

Small children of unhoused parents do not have access to good oral care due to their living situation. Some families live in shelters and others in the family car. Daily brushing habits are not achievable without running water or a private sink to store a toothbrush. 

Our male patients experiencing homelessness are hard working men that can't make ends meet to pay for housing. Many have become homeless after suffering an injury at work with no medical insurance, a single income family that suddenly experiences job loss, divorce, child support payments, release from prison with no where else to turn, or a drug addiction that started from an injury medicated with opioids.

Some of the pregnant teens we serve have been abandoned by their parents or have escaped an abusive living situation.

 Luckily, most have made it into supportive housing for teen moms that provide GED services, teach life skills, and welcome our dental services on a regular basis. 

There is a systemic link between gingivitis and low birth weight preterm babies and a high rate of baby bottle tooth decay for babies of young moms. When a baby is given milk or juice at bedtime, the sugar and low PH causes baby bottle tooth decay. If not prevented through education or stopped early with SDF treatment, the damage to the child's teeth is devastating.  Many cases involve sedating the child for extensive dental work to repair the damage and dental infection. 

Our developmentally disabled patients and caregivers struggle with compliance and willingness to provide daily oral care. Some patients resist dental offices out of fear or are unable to leave the home.  We bring our care to the patient so they can remain in their comfort zone.  

Our patients with spinal cord injuries require home dental visits due to lack of mobility, transportation, and body temperature control. Most of our patients have tracheotomies with ventilators. Due to the inability to use their hands for brushing, the oral bacteria builds fast and can be aspirated into their breathing tube causing pneumonia   

We receive many requests for patients in hospice that desire a professional dental cleaning in their final months of life. Homebound patients with mobility challenges, weakness, full-time oxygen, and a feeding tube require bedside care.  

Did you know that only disabled or retired veterans receive free dental care though the VA? 

Veterans that have this coverage need to travel a great distance to the VA clinic. 

Many veterans are in wheelchairs, have lost their limbs, or do not have enough money to even ride the local bus to the VA clinic. 

Veterans need access to dental care besides only at the VA.

We offer our veterans free preventative and therapeutic dental care inside temporary housing shelters to deliver true access to care.