Chuck, age 76, was born in Chicago as the oldest of five siblings. As a young man, he was always known for his friendly and cheerful personality. Now living with his sister, Nancy, Chuck stays active by bowling, golfing, and especially enjoying his current favorite hobby—disc golf. On sunny days, he loves visiting local parks with the help of his direct service professionals.

Chuck has lived with an intellectual developmental disability since birth. Because of this condition, receiving dental treatment in a traditional office setting does not always come easily for him. Chuck is now able to overcome his barriers to care because of the services provided by Exceptional Needs Dental Services (ENDS). Chuck’s service dog Molly was also a key part of him accepting care. She was always present at his appointments and provided comfort during treatment.

Lori Killen Aus, ENDS mobile hygienist, has been providing hygiene services to Chuck for over fives years. The dental care is presented so positively, Chuck never frets when it’s time for a visit or a procedure. Lori recollects a recent visit where Chuck’s excitement was infectious. Nancy told her about the recent loss of Molly since she would typically greet Lori at the door, but added they were going to pick up Chuck’s new puppy that same day! Chuck was beaming while showing Lori all the new “puppy stuff”; preparing for the new arrival such as toys, beds, and bowls. As soon as Chuck’s appointment finished, he and Nancy headed out to pick up his new puppy, Rosie.

The ENDS program is a partnership established by three Oregon Dental Care Organizations: Capitol Dental Care, Care Oregon Dental, and Willamette Dental. The ENDS Program connects patients with providers like Lori Killen Aus, thanks to the dental care benefits made possible by the Oregon Health Plan (OHP). Despite his history of dental challenges, Chuck is now always happy to see his dental team. His sister, Nancy, credits the ENDS program for providing a more comfortable environment and providers who truly “meet him where he’s at”.

Carrie, age 54, was born with a developmental disability from perinatal asphyxia and has navigated among various care facilities since she was ten. After decades of moving from care setting to the next, Carrie is very honest about how she wants to live her life. She will happily tell you she loves anything with ranch dressing, listening to gospel music, and saying “no”. In her current group home, she enjoys watching gameshows, playing UNO, and going out to get meals. When asked about Carrie’s favorite things, all members of her staff chimed in, from her favorite colors (purple and gold) to her favorite TV show (Touched By An Angel).

Carrie was referred to Exceptional Needs Dental Services (ENDS) and has seen Dr. Cassondra Palacios for regular dental exams since 2024. More recently, Carrie was dealing with tooth pain from a crown that was impacting her ability to enjoy her favorite foods. ENDS scheduled Carrie for dental services under general anesthesia with Dr. Zachary White where she received restorative dental care. Her caregiver Katrina states Carrie was excited to get treatment, to relieve the dental discomfort.

ENDS continues to provide Carrie with consistent, accessible dental care while easing the burden on her caregivers. Katrina, Carrie’s caregiver, has supported multiple individuals receiving care through ENDS and reports consistently positive experiences. She notes that scheduling appointments and surgeries has always been smooth and efficient, allowing her clients to receive timely and appropriate dental treatment.

The ENDS program is a partnership established by: Capitol Dental Care, CareOregon Dental, and Willamette Dental. The ENDS Program connects Carrie and other patients with providers like Dr. Palacios and Dr. White, thanks to the dental care benefits that the Oregon Health Plan (OHP) made possible. 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.

Hannah, 46 years old, is surrounded and cared for by her loving and supportive family. Born with Cerebral Palsy, and later diagnosed with epilepsy, she has faced more obstacles than most will in a lifetime. At birth, her occipital lobe was underdeveloped, and by just 11 months old, she developed cataracts in both eyes which has caused her to be legally blind. Her resilience, combined with the unwavering devotion of her mom, dad and older sister, serves as a powerful testament to strength and perseverance in the face of adversity.

Hannah keeps the mood light and positive with her smart and quick sense of humor. She enjoys teasing her Dad the most, gently calling his name repeatedly until he answers, then replying with a loud “raspberry” and tickled laughter. She loves music, especially her Grandpa’s singing, and has a variety of music playing at all waking hours. Though she is mostly non-verbal, she has a few words she uses quite well, and she communicates her desired meals, etc., in what her family affectionately dubs “Hannah Language” using “numm” for yes and a raspberry for no.

ENDS has provided routine dental care, as well as dentistry procedures in the hospital to Hannah for over a decade. Her family describes ENDS as absolutely invaluable, and that having Hannah’s teeth cleaned and repaired continues to provide lasting joy in her life. They are not only appreciative of ENDS dentists, Dr. Cassondra Palacios and Dr. Brian Summers, they also appreciate the hospital staff at Albany General Hospital as exceptional in the care they provide. Thanks to all of them, Hannah continues to enjoy her favorite food, ice cream, without any dental pain.

The ENDS program is a partnership established by the following Oregon Dental Care Organizations: Capitol Dental Care, Care Oregon Dental, and Willamette Dental. The ENDS program connects Hannah and other patients with providers like Dr. Palacios and Dr. Summers 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.

Hollis, age 48, was born with cerebral palsy and uses a power wheelchair. When you meet Hollis, his humor and energy are instantly clear, and you notice his bright smile. Hollis faces daily challenges, including oral hygiene. Though supported by full-time caregivers, maintaining dental care became increasingly difficult for him.

Lori Killen Aus, a mobile hygienist with Exceptional Needs Dental Services (ENDS), met Hollis a few years ago. Communication was initially challenging due to his unique speech pattern, but patience and humor helped build a strong connection. Involuntary movements made dental cleanings tricky. His gums bled, his breath worsened, and crunchy foods became painful to eat.

Lori’s hygiene visit was transformational. She took time to explain every step, provided a deep cleaning tailored to Hollis’s comfort, and created a personalized hygiene plan. Hollis was left feeling more confident and was grateful for being referred to the ENDS program.

“I had no idea how much better I’d feel,” Hollis said. “It’s not just my teeth; it’s my confidence, my breath, my energy.”

“It’s a big deal to be treated like a person,” Hollis said. “Lori treated me with dignity, humor, and respect.”

Now, Hollis brushes twice daily and keeps up with regular care—something he couldn’t do before he received dental care from the ENDS program.

Beyond his smile, Hollis is a skilled metal fabricator, an avid outdoorsman, and a passionate advocate for disability rights. Through Oregon Adaptive Sports and David’s Chair non-profit, he continues to ski, hike, and explore rugged terrain using adaptive gear. He has been skiing for over 30 years and remains deeply committed to helping others with disabilities experience the same freedom and joy through fundraising and awareness.

The ENDS program is a partnership established by three Oregon Dental Care Organizations: Capitol Dental Care, Care Oregon Dental, and Willamette Dental. ENDS connects Hollis and others with providers like Lori, thanks to the dental care benefits made possible by Oregon’s Medicaid program, Oregon Health Plan (OHP). The care and compassion delivered by ENDS providers, combined with the essential support of OHP, ensure that patients like Hollis receive the vital treatment they need to thrive.