Senior Dental Day Photo Opportunity

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Dec. 11, 2013 - PRLog -- Local organizations estimate that over 1,000 seniors in our community still don’t have access to dental care. On Friday, December 13, dentists, hygienists and students will volunteer their time to provide dental care to over 50 low-income seniors.

“The population we serve at Senior Dental Day often has complex dental issues due to the fact that they haven’t been to a dentist in some time,” says Nancy Kropiewnicki, Event Organizer. “These types of dental situations require more time and we want them to leave today with a dentist that can follow up with them. This is why we identified clients ahead of time through referrals from non-profit agencies and why we can’t serve walk-in clients today.”

Senior participants were selected based on need. Those identified will receive a free dental cleaning, any necessary x-rays, screening examination and a referral if needed (efforts will be made to find a dentist to adopt them for future dental care at a free or reduced cost).

This is the third year AAAWM has teamed up with the community to offer Senior Dental Day and the second year working with the Grand Rapids Community College Dental Clinic.

“We are looking for more dentists, hygienists and great partners, like the Grand Rapids Community College Dental Clinic, to volunteer their services and expertise for events like this,” says Kropiewnicki. “There is a big need in our community and we are hopeful that volunteers will step up so we can expand these events and serve more seniors.”

If a dentist would like to adopt one of our senior clients or volunteer for future Senior Dental Day events, please contact AAAWM at 616.456.5664.

For more information on senior programs call the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan at (616) 456-5664 or visit www.aaawm.org

Senior Dental Day was made possible this year due to the Grand Rapids Community College Dental Clinic, volunteer dentists and hygienists and a generous donation from the Michigan Dental Association Foundation.