Senior Smiles mobile denture service expanding in Osceola

  • Dr. David Ferro shows County Commissioner Cheryl Grieb some of the features of the Senior Smiles Osceola mobile unit Tuesday morning parked at Hope Partnership offices. PHOTO/KEN JACKSON
    Dr. David Ferro shows County Commissioner Cheryl Grieb some of the features of the Senior Smiles Osceola mobile unit Tuesday morning parked at Hope Partnership offices. PHOTO/KEN JACKSON

The Senior Smiles Osceola denture program, funded in 2023 and kicked off earlier this year, is expanding throughout Osceola County.

County Commissioner Cheryl Grieb announced Tuesday that $50,000 in remaining American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars will be used to treat around 45 senior patients in need of dentures, partials and extractions. With the money comes vouchers delivered to Hope Partnership participants in order to prioritize their health care.

“I really wanted to partner with Hope Partnership (a local organization working to find all Osceolans a safe place to call home), because of the clientele that they assist,” Grieb said.

Hope Partnership CEO Mary Downey said those experiencing homelessness often struggle with or overlook dental care.

“For many years we’ve have people who haven’t had the smiles they deserve, so we’re grateful for this partnership,” she said.

Community Health Services oversees the program, started by Commission Viviana Janer last year. She, Grieb and Commission Brandon Arrington have held or will hold appointment events with the mobile dental unit built with $500,000 of those pandemic recovery funds.

“I thank Commissioner Janer for her vision creating this program. She has a heart for seniors, and knowing that dentures or partials are something some insurance or their Medicare doesn’t cover and bring this to our residents,” Grieb said.

Much of the work is done out of a newly-built mobile unit built from scratch last year using $500,000 of those ARPA funds, county commissioner betterment funds and $200,000 from Janer’s federal targeted recovery effort funds. The mobile trailer features two exam rooms, along with a dental x-ray machine and the tools needed for the fitting, care, and maintenance of dentures. The unit will be staffed by the dental staff from Health Services, whose officials said Tuesday would work to keep it going with upcoming grants or other payment plans.

Those who wish to see if the qualify for Senior Smiles can call Health Services at 407-943-8600 and select Option 2 to speak with an eligibility assistant. Appointments are also available at Health Services offices at 1875 Fortune Road behind Osceola Heritage Park.