FREE Dental Screening Clinic for Seniors
Volunteer dentist, Dr. Donald Pierce of Attleboro Falls Family Dentistry at Free Dental Screening Clinic.
Photo Credit: Community VNA
Schedule Your Free Appointment Now for October 5th Elder Dental Program’s Clinic in Attleboro
Attleboro, MA–Oral health is a key component of general health and well being. Low income seniors in particular are struggling. According to a study by “Oral Health in America” close to 70 % of seniors do not have dental insurance. The primary reason seniors do not have dental insurance is that the two public health programs in Massachusetts (Medicaid and Medicare) provide little or no dental benefits. Seniors with limited means have few options for help affording dental care.
The Elder Dental Program of Community VNA in Attleboro seeks to reduce barriers to dental care by holding two free dental screening clinics per year. The fall clinic will be held Saturday, October 5,2019 from 8:45 AM to 1:00 PM at Community VNA, 10 Emory Street in Attleboro. Seniors age 60 or over may schedule an appointment for a free dental screening by calling 774.203.1326. Appointments are open to seniors living in Massachusetts.
Clinic participants will receive a dental screening exam and will have the opportunity to discuss the findings with the dentist in the clinic’s relaxed, friendly setting. Dentists from the area, including
Dr. Donald Pierce, of Attleboro Falls Family Dentistry volunteer to examine patients for problems with their teeth, gums, and dentures.
Participants will also be screened for oral cancers and have the opportunity to receive free denture cleaning and labeling provided by students from the Massasoit Community College’s Dental Assisting program. Students will also offer tips and answer questions about good oral hygiene. All students are under the supervision of their instructor as they participate in the screening clinic.
Nutritional information will be provided about food choices to those experiencing chewing problems, dry mouth, medication interactions, and other concerns.
“More than three-quarters of older adults in Massachusetts don’t have dental insurance,” explains Dr. Pierce, a dentist and planning committee co-chair. “Many of the seniors who attended the free screening clinic haven’t been to a dentist in a while, so they have concerns they want to discuss. At the screening clinic we take time to talk with them and answer their questions.”
It is the mission of the Elder Dental Program to support oral health needs and provide education for seniors. Studies have shown that lack of oral health care can lead to serious overall health risks. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), studies link oral infections with diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Most oral diseases are preventable. During the screening participants can also learn more about the Elder Dental Program, which helps low income seniors to access local dental services provided at reduced fees based on a sliding scale.
Organized by Community VNA’s Elder Dental Program, the clinic has been underwritten by a grant from the United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley, HarborOne Foundation, Bank of Canton, Walpole Cooperative Bank, Rodman Ford Sales Charitable Trust and is funded in part by a grant from Bristol Elder Services, Inc. through contracts with the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs.
For more information, contact Christine Weylman, Elder Dental Program Coordinator by calling 774.203.1326 or email