The Boston Senior Oral Health Program, now at its second year at Boston University, offers free comprehensive dental services to seniors in Boson public housing.  Since public insurance covers only limited dental services, access to comprehensive dental care is often a problem for many low income seniors in Massachusetts.  With the financial support from the Sunshine Lady Foundation, the Program first started at the Massachusetts Department of Public Health in 2009 and it has, since 2013, continued at Boston University where PHH’s involvement in the community is remarkable.
The Program is a partnership among Boston University, Boston Housing Authority (BHA), Fenway Community Health Center (CHC) and the Sunshine Lady Foundation.  The DentaQuest Foundation is a new addition to the partnership this year as it has made a generous contribution to help reduce oral health disparities in public housing. 
 
The Program provides monthly dental screenings at various BHA sites, identifies and refers those with treatment needs to CHC, and assists seniors to follow through with care.  Last year, the Program screened over 260 seniors with an 80% successful referral rate.  Plus, no-shows for appointments were almost non-existent.    
 
Participants of the Program are very appreciative and they are now able to eat and smile with confidence.  A 74-year old war veteran says “I could not afford dentures since I am on a low fixed income … I am now able to eat solid food for the first time in many years, not to mention how it altered my speaking and my looks for much the better.” 
 
A daughter of another participant wrote in her thank-you note to the Foundation: “My mother is 80 years old and still very vibrant.  The only problem she was having was her dentures didn’t fit right which resulted in weight loss … Now that she has her new dentures, she is eating more and has put on a few pounds, her doctor was thrilled.”
 
More and more studies show the close relationship between oral and systemic health; periodontitis (gum disease) often goes hand in hand with heart diseases and it can further complicate diabetes.  However, maintaining good oral and general health has been easier for seniors living in Boston public housing because of the Boston Senior Oral Health Program.   
 
Last year 265 seniors were screened and 245 have been referred to partner health center Fenway Community Health Center for treatment. If you are interested in becoming part of the program, contact Joyce Wookyung Starr by email or phone at 617-638-5036 or Sugule Hassan by email or phone at 617-638-4448.