Judi, age 79, was referred to Exceptional Needs Dental Services (ENDS) in 2015. She suffers from Alzheimer’s dementia and depression. She is also bedbound and unable to leave her facility for dental or medical treatment.

Judi is extremely passionate about home-style cooking. She has always enjoyed preparing meals for her children. Their usual requests were meatloaf, potato salad, as well as chicken and dumplings. Judi learned how to cook from her family and was never one to follow a recipe, but preferred “cooking to taste.”

As time has gone on, Judi has developed extremely limited physical coordination and has become unable to care for her teeth on her own. The nursing staff would help her by providing assistance with brushing her teeth regularly. When Dr. James Hayden, an ENDS mobile dentist, visited Judi at her facility it, was apparent that she had periodontal disease in her remaining teeth. Dr. Hayden took x-rays that confirmed this and set up a treatment plan for Judi to have several extractions.

Prior to being seen by Dr. Hayden, Judi was experiencing a loss of appetite and she would rarely smile. She was so relieved that Dr. Hayden and his assistant were able to see her at the nursing home. She said they were wonderfully knowledgeable and very kind.

After receiving her new dentures, Judi’s care provider went to ask how she was doing and found that Judi was so excited and happy that her smile filled the room. Judi was thrilled with how comfortable and pretty her new teeth were. She said that it was a “dream come true.”

Because of the dental care benefits made possible by Oregon Health Plan (OHP), and providers like Dr. Hayden, Judi has had all her dental needs met and she couldn’t be happier.