May 22, 2008
Advocacy Hosts Dental Screening Day
Afraid of going to the dentist? Not if you came to the Arc on April 30th!
Elwyn’s Dental Clinic staff offered free screenings to 50 people. And 49 were receptive to the gentle touch of the hygienist. One person chose not to participate, but smiled as she walked away with a gift bag filled with toothpaste, a toothbrush, and information about the clinic.
The screenings were just one way of letting the community know that Elwyn is available and willing to support people with disabilities. As we know, people with special needs often have difficulty securing basic dental care. “When we speak of oral health, we are talking about more than healthy teeth,” said Dr. Satcher (former Surgeon General). We are talking about all areas of the mouth including the gums, the hard and soft palates, the tongue, the lips, the chewing muscles, and the jaws. In short, all of the oral tissues and structures that allow us to speak and smile; smell, taste, touch, chew, and swallow; and convey a world of feelings through facial expressions.”
The need for accessible and affordable dental care and well-trained dental staff was well documented on May 25, 2000 when Surgeon General David Satcher released Oral Health in America: A Report of the Surgeon General. The medical and physical challenges as well as behavioral issues often experienced by people with disabilities tend to keep many dentists from wanting to serve these individuals. On the other hand, the issue stems in some cases from dentists not accepting certain dental/medical carriers because of concerns with reimbursement for dental care and treatment.
Elwyn is one of several dental practices within the Philadelphia area specializing in treating people with various disabilities. We thank them for stepping up to the plate to address this void within our community. And, if you know of any dentists that are treating people with disabilities in your neighborhood, please let us know. They also deserve our thanks!
For more information about Elwyn’s Dental Clinic, call 215-895-5649.
The Arc of Philadelphia/PDDC • 2350 W Westmoreland St • Philadelphia, PA 19140 • 215-229-4550