Lucy, 24 years old, is described by her mom as “wicked smart” with mischievous humor. Lucy has a deep passion for listening to live music. A few years ago, she had the unforgettable opportunity to see one of her favorite bands, Coldplay, perform live, which left a lasting impression on her. Despite her daily challenges, Lucy remains active and enjoys spending time with friends and family. She loves exploring nature through hiking. One of her favorite activities is lunch with her mom, where she playfully claims her mom’s fries!

Lucy is an inspiring example of resilience, having faced numerous health challenges since birth. Born with cerebral palsy and initially given a limited prognosis, she has defied expectations. Her mother recalls that before being referred to the ENDS program, accessing quality dental care was a significant struggle. Due to Lucy’s mostly non-verbal communication, it is often difficult to gauge when she is in pain. During a recent dental appointment, the dentist determined that Lucy would need to undergo wisdom teeth removal at the hospital. Her caregivers reported that the entire process was exceptional. The hospital staff were respectful and accommodating, allowing them to be present with Lucy as she recovered from anesthesia. Dr. Zachary White was attentive, addressing all questions and concerns with care. Since her dental surgery, Lucy’s caregivers have observed a remarkable change; she appears much happier and has exhibited different behaviors, free from pain. The ENDS program is a partnership established by the following Oregon Dental Care Organizations:

• Capitol Dental Care
• Care Oregon Dental
• Willamette Dental

The ENDS program connects Lucy and other patients with providers like Dr. White thanks to the dental care benefits made possible by Oregon Health Plan (OHP). The care and compassion delivered by ENDS’ providers and the dental benefits provided by OHP ensure patients receive the treatment they need to continue living a happy and healthy life.