Providing Dental Care

In Care Centers (nursing homes) across the country,  residents are plagued by cavities, gum disease, and cracked teeth. Many arrive with poor teeth after long periods without seeing a dentist. 

 Many prescription drugs, including some antidepressants, high blood pressure medications, and anti-seizure medications, can reduce saliva and dry out the mouth. Without proper oral care, residents taking such drugs are especially prone to relatively rapid deterioration of their teeth.

 For many of our residents and even assisted living tenants, going to the dentist is not easy. They often put off regular dental care, which results in emergency trips to the dentist. COVID-19 only highlighted the importance of having dental care available on our campus. For months residents were not able to leave the facility, putting off their dental needs.

Inside Johnson Memorial Health Services Care Center's main entrance is the Town Center. The public space features a workout room, café, chapel, and beauty/barbershop. Inside the beauty/barbershop is a separate room that would allow us to create a dental office. We have worked with a local dentist to determine what is needed to provide cleaning, fillings, pulling teeth, denture care, and other dental needs.

 The Plan

JMHS would purchase the equipment and rent the space and equipment to local dentists (like we do with outreach specialists) so that individuals can continue to see their dentist, just in a more convenient location. 

 
The Cost

The cost to renovate the space and purchase the equipment is $85,000. JMHS received a $50,000 grant from Delta Dental of Minnesota to help offset the costs. The JMHS Foundation is fundraising for the additional $35,000 to ensure the project is completed to its greatest potential.