Did you know good dental health promotes good overall health? Conversely, having poor dental health may increase the risk of certain medical conditions, especially in older adults.
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), poor oral health has been associated with increased risks of cardiovascular disease and stroke, periodontal disease (infection of the gums), edentulism (having missing teeth), along with dry mouth and oral cancer. Researchers also suggest seniors with extremely poor dental health have an increased risk of dementia. And there is overwhelming evidence periodontitis (infection that can destroy the jawbone) is a risk factor for certain systemic diseases.
Those with gum disease and oral infections can also lose teeth, with no resources for dentures. According to a new report by the CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, 68.5 million adults in the United States have no dental insurance, with that number rising.
To support local seniors’ dental health, the Osceola Council on Aging is a partner referral source for Senior Smiles Osceola. The program, designed to support seniors who need dental care, also provides affordable denture services for those who have lost their teeth.
Senior Smiles Osceola is a state-of-the-art mobile dental unit with the ability to do everything from basic dentistry to complex dental procedures. The 45-foot-long facility was funded with a $300,000 grant from Osceola County and is designed with special exam chairs for the accessibility of seniors using walkers and/or wheelchairs.
“Senior Smiles Osceola has been a beacon of hope for the senior residents throughout Osceola County,” said Dr. Belinda Johnson-Cornett, Chief Executive Officer for Osceola Community Health Services. “We are treating over 200 voucher-eligible patients, and the Osceola Council on Aging has been instrumental in connecting us with the best locations to serve the populations most in need. We are also forever thankful to the Osceola Board of County Commissioners and Osceola County for funding the program which covers the cost of dentures, reduces financial burden on seniors and allows us to administer the program efficiently.”
Patients who are 55 years and older who live in Osceola County are eligible for dental care and treatment, through Senior Smiles, regardless of whether they have dental insurance.
District 2 County Commissioner Viviana Janer was the political force behind bringing Senior Smiles Osceola to fruition. She set aside more than $200,000 to help residents in her district receive dentures.
“The mobile dental office is life changing for many of our seniors,” said Chris Hougland, RN, BSN, Sr. VP of Health Services for the Osceola Council on Aging. “We see a large number of seniors who participate in OCOA programs who need dental assistance but have no dental insurance. We are thrilled to be a referral source for this much needed program.”
Dental insurance for services will be billed,if available. For those residents living outside District 2 who are uninsured or underinsured, dentures will be provided at wholesale cost, with an opportunity for payment plans.
The OCOA will host Senior Smiles during our upcoming fall Health Fairs. For Oak Leaf Landings, in Kissimmee, call Ana Zaragoza, at 407-518-0674; for St. Cloud Villas I, contact Ana Calero, at 407-593-8011, for dates, times, and locations.
For those looking to make a general appointment, click on the location calendar at seniorsmilesosceola.com. For additional information, contact the Osceola Community Health Services at 407-943-8600. Proof of Osceola County residency will be required for any service (residential lease or utility/ electric bill is acceptable).
We are thrilled to have Senior Smiles Osceola available within our community. Congratulations to Commissioner Janer for such a valuable resource for Osceola seniors.
