Apple Tree Dental Give to the Max Day 2011

More than 600,000 Minnesotans are not able to get the dental care they need. That's enough people to fill 10 Metrodomes!

Many people don't have the choice of going to the dentist. This is a choice that is often taken for granted, but for nursing home residents, people with disabilities, low-income families, and others, dental care is often beyond reach. People commonly face medical, physical, and financial barriers to care.

Ben's story (below) is an example that happened in June.

Ben's Story"Ben" sat quietly at the dentist’s office, keeping his eyes fixed on his older brother. The 8-year-old was intrigued by the place, and watched intently as a hygienist skillfully cleaned his brother’s teeth. Ben eagerly watched as his brother grinned broadly, showing off his clean teeth. His brother’s follow-up appointment was soon in hand.

But when it was time to schedule Ben’s first dental appointment, something wasn’t right.

“They said Ben was more than they could handle,” said Amy, Ben’s personal care attendant. “I tried to convince them in every way I could, but they said Ben would take too much time and be too difficult for them to treat.”

Ben has Down’s Syndrome and has never seen a dentist. And Ben left without an appointment.

“It was so hurtful,” Amy said. “He deserves to have dental care just like other kids. But trying to get dental care has been a real challenge.”

In Ben’s situation, the challenge was further complicated by the fact that in addition to his special needs, Ben was on Medical Assistance - a public assistance program for people with disabilities. Since she started working for Ben’s family about one year ago, Amy has been tireless in trying to get a dental appointment for Ben.

It hasn’t been easy. Amy called more than 40 dental clinics in the Twin Cities area before finding a dental office accepting new Medical Assistance patients. And it was Ben’s brother who saw that dentist. Amy said she was almost ready to give up.

Quality dental care is especially important for special needs children like Ben. Even though he had heart surgery to repair a congenital heart defect common in children with Down’s Syndrome, Ben will always have a lifelong risk of developing endocarditis (a life threatening infection inside the lining of the heart chambers and heart valves) caused by bacteria from mouth infections like cavities and gum disease.

Luckily, a dental office told Amy to call Apple Tree Dental. When Apple Tree heard about his situation, it was quickly clear that Ben was no different than so many of the special people that we treat every day.

Yes, they take extra time. Yes, they can present some real treatment challenges. But what’s far more important is the ability to provide quality care and improve the lives of our patients, whether they’re children, adults or seniors.

It might be hard to believe that simply getting dental appointment is still such a challenge for children like Ben, but his story is not unique. According to national statistics, 37 percent of all children in the United States start school without ever having seen a dentist. And for those children from rural or lower income families, the rates are higher.

You can help us care for children like Ben. Your contributions allow Apple Tree to care for the young, those with special needs, and our frail elders. The need for dental care is always in high demand. So please consider supporting Apple Tree’s work. Contribute during Give to the Max Day and you can make a real difference in the lives of people like Ben.