Rebecca Ann Lorenz, RN, MHS, School of Nursing, Saint Louis University, 3525 Caroline Mall, St. Louis, MO 63104, 636-928-5974, lorenzra@slu.edu and Norman Freiberger, DDS, FAGD, Senior Dental Health Clinic, SSM St. Joseph Health Center, 300 First Capitol Drive, St. Charles, MO 63301.

In September 2001, SSM St. Joseph’s Senior Services program responded to multiple requests for urgent dental care for low-income adults by opening a Dental Health Clinic. Access to dental care was prohibited by a lack of dentists accepting Medicaid and willing to provide care at extended-care facilities. In addition, there were no transportation services or dental offices equipped for adults with physical and mental limitations. The Dental Clinic staff provides care for extended-care residents and adult Medicaid recipients living within the hospital’s service area (~3,400 adults). Services include treatment of infection, restorative care, prophylaxis, denture fabrication, and oral surgery. Over 3,000 older adults have received care for periodontal disease, missing teeth, mouth cancer, tooth decay, and localized infection. Eleven dentists volunteer their time and talents to provide dental services at the clinic. Dental hygienists provide educational programs and oral health supplies to caregivers of older adults. Although volunteers provide most of the care, the clinic receives critically needed financial backing to support a full-time dental hygienist, equipment needs, and ongoing operational costs. In 2003, an Advisory Board of dentists, community members, and hospital professionals was established to increase public awareness and to identify additional funding sources. Future goals include recruitment of additional volunteer dentists, clinic expansion, and provision of a Geriatric Dental Care Externship while the clinic staff continues to provide cost-effective, quality dental health care.

Learning Objectives:

• 1)Describe methods for increasing access to dental care for low-income adults.
• 2)Identify resources to address unmet oral health care needs.
• 3)Evaluate the success of the program.

Keywords: Oral Health, Aging

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.