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.