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Twice a week, we set up our mobile dental clinic in long-term care facilities for seniors who are disabled, have late-stage dementia, and/or require assistance from skilled nurses.
These patients have complex needs and may have mobility issues or difficulty feeding themselves. Many are unable to brush their teeth without assistance.
On top of their inability to live independently, these patients face multiple barriers to receiving dental care:
Transportation, available assistance, and access to dental offices that take Medicare.
Due to the hurdles to care, many seniors at these facilities have gone without dental care for years.
According to America's Health Ranking (2022), 13.4% of Idaho adults aged 65+ have had all their teeth removed because of untreated decay or gum disease. The consequences of neglected oral health go beyond dental issues. Research suggests that 78% of seniors suffer from edentulism, which can adversely impact their overall health and the management of chronic conditions (NIH.gov, National Library of Medicine).
Preventive cleaning and routine dental care are crucial in preventing these severe outcomes. And yet, even with the need for extensive dental procedures, many struggle to find a dental office that serves Medicare patients.
Terry Reilly dentists Dr. Hicks and Dr. Meshack-Hart are leading efforts to increase access for these seniors by providing on-location comprehensive dental services, including fillings, cleaning, and extractions.
Dr. Hicks shares that they average 25 patients a week and rotate between seven facilities. They not only provide dental care but also a human connection. Many of the patients don't often have visitors, and their only other interaction is with staff or fellow residents.
Your support of Terry Reilly's mission allows us to serve individuals at every stage of life, providing access to healthcare services, dignity, and pain prevention.
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