PRIME TIME
Donated Dental Services Program Provides Extensive Dental Work For Low-Income Seniors By Lauren Consuelo Tussing, BCBSNM
J
oseph Murphy says he has struggled with dental problems throughout his life. “It was an inevitability that I was going to lose all my teeth at some point,” Murphy said. Eventually, he needed dentures, but the dental work wasn’t covered by Murphy’s insurance. On average, full dentures can cost around $3,200. “I live on social security, and that’s my only income,” Murphy said. Unable to get the dental work on his own, Murphy applied for the New Mexico Dental Association Foundation’s (NMDAF) Donated Dental Services (DDS), a program that provides extensive dental work at no cost for low-income New Mexicans who are seniors, veterans, or disabled.
In 2019 and 2020, NMDAF received a $10,000 grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico’s (BCBSNM) Healthy Kids, Healthy Families® initiative to support DDS. Thanks to the program, Murphy was able to get the dental work he needed, a lengthy process that included extractions, surgery, impressions and fittings. “I can’t express my gratitude enough,” Murphy said. “My life has changed.”
DDS works to provide needed treatment for patients who could not otherwise afford it. In turn, this helps patients with the ability to smile, eat nutritious foods, and live a life free from the pain associated with oral conditions. “We’re able to give people this new quality of life that they couldn’t have otherwise,” said Amy Alexander, DDS program manager. “We are the only program in New Mexico that does this kind of free extensive dental work.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, almost 1 in 5 adults 65 years old and above have lost all their natural teeth, and nearly 2 in 3 adults ages 65 and older have gum disease. Dental problems can cause pain, infection, difficulty eating and reduced quality of life. Gum disease is also associated with chronic medical conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes.
More than 170 dentists throughout the state volunteer their time for DDS to perform dental work. Participating labs provide donated or discounted services for crowns, dentures, bridges and dental appliances. In the last fiscal year alone, 112 patients received a new smile through DDS. Since 2001, DDS has donated nearly $6 million worth of dental care to more than 1,400 patients. In addition to
February 2020
supporting DDS, BCBSNM has also supported NMDAF’s Mission of Mercy events, which provide dental clinics for low-income New Mexicans. “The $10,000 grant that Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico has given Donated Dental Services has really provided more resources for us,” Alexander said. “Without the generosity of our donors, including Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico, we couldn’t serve any patients.”
TAKE IT TO HEART Senior Health Summit
WHEN:
Tuesday, February 11, 2020 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
LOCATION:
Marriott Pyramid North 5151 San Francisco Rd. NE | Albuquerque, NM 87109
FREE admission! Call 898-3030 to register today. • Resource fair and health screenings • Lifestyle intervention for cardiovascular well-being • Atrial Fibrillation management and prevention strategies • Grand prize drawing Participants will be entered to win raffle prizes including an Air Purifier and a 50” Ultra HD TV. Must be present to win.
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