The Partnership in Health and Housing (PHH) at BU’s School of Public Health awarded funding to continue the Boston Senior Oral Health Program

The Partnership in Health and Housing (PHH) has received additional funding from the Sunshine Lady Foundation to continue the Boston Senior Oral Health Program, which provides free oral health screenings and treatment to seniors living in public housing. Those identified as needing treatment are referred to local community health centers where they receive care free of charge. Last year 265 seniors were screened and 245 have been referred to partner health center Fenway Community Health Center for treatment.

A healthy mouth is important for many reasons: eating well, preventing dental pain, and feeling good about oneself. Older adults need to pay special attention to their oral health as poor oral health may increase the risk for other diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes. For example, gum disease doesn’t only lead to tooth loss; it can also negatively affect overall health. Also, many medications cause dry mouth which increases the risk of cavities; seniors who are on medications need to be aware of this possible side effect and increase prevention measures to offset the risk.
 
Since public insurance covers only limited dental services, access to comprehensive dental care is often a problem for many low income seniors in Massachusetts. The Boston Senior Oral Health Program was established to help seniors improve their oral and general health, as well as their quality of life.
 
Boston public housing residents 60 years or older are eligible regardless of their insurance status. The program works by having a dental hygienist visit different housing developments each month and offer free dental exams. If, during the exam, a senior is identified as needing dental treatment, he or she is invited to make an appointment at participating community health centers to receive dental treatment. All dental services offered through the program are free of charge and include dental examinations, x-rays, cleanings, fluoride treatments, root canals, fillings, crowns, full and partial dentures, and oral surgeries.

 
See the press release for referral information.