March 28, 2024

FREE Dental Screening Clinic for Seniors

Schedule Your Free Appointment Now for September 18th Elder Dental Program’s Clinic in Attleboro

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Attleboro, MA--Oral health is a key component of general health and wellbeing. 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 a free dental screening clinic, Saturday, September 18, 2021, from 8:45 AM to 1:00 PM at Community VNA, 10 Emory Street in Attleboro. Seniors aged 60 or over who are interested are required to schedule an appointment for a free dental screening by calling 774.203.1326. Appointments are open to seniors living in Massachusetts.

The effect of the coronavirus continues to impact the way we keep patients’ safe. Safety is at the forefront for all those attending our clinic therefore, masks will be required in the building ( exception during the dental screening portion) and registrants will be asked their vaccination status upon registration.

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.

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 attend 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, Massachusetts Dental Society Foundation, Bristol County Savings Bank, Delta Dental of Massachusetts, HarborOne Foundation, Rotary Club of Attleboro, Walpole Co-operative Bank, Bank of Canton, 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 elderdental@communityvna.com.

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