We all know that famous phrase about apples and doctors… but what about dentists?
The direct correlation between dental care and overall health and wellness has been proven time and again by medical experts. Aside from disease prevention and contributing to general wellbeing, good dental hygiene also improves the ability to smile and communicate confidently.
Lauren (middle) received dental care from Nicole Ferrin (left) and Julie Dirth.
Because of Dungarvin’s mission to “respect and respond to the choices of people in need of supports,” and the desire to help individuals achieve independence on their terms, support of continued dental care has always been a priority.
This past November, Altair ACO members, Dungarvin Minnesota and Apple Tree Dental formed a partnership to pre-pilot bringing dental care and education directly to Dungarvin homes in Minnesota. From toothbrush cleaning to periodontal probing (assessing gum tissue health), Nicole Ferrin, Dental Hygienist for Apple Tree Dental and other clinical staff provide regular services to individuals supported by Dungarvin.
As part of this Minnesota Department of Health grant, Apple Tree Dental will also provide education to direct care staff on how to recognize and even help treat simple dental needs for individuals they support. The best part? Dental services are provided to individuals on site.
Sara Dubany, Health Services Manager for Dungarvin, was present at the first on-site event on December 3 in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. She emphasized the importance of this partnership, and how helpful it was for individuals with varied health needs who find it difficult to leave home for such appointments.
“Sometimes, there may be anxiety with dental appointments, and the comfort of home helped make our individuals more receptive to these services,” she explained. Besides the care provided, she was delighted to receive education from Apple Tree Dental staff, and to witness how the event provided a safe space for supported individuals to express their needs and concerns, and ask questions about oral health.
“One of the benefits offered by Nicole and Julie Dirth (Advanced Dental Therapist) was to review current oral care products used by persons served and to provide feedback on other options that could better meet their medical needs,” Danielle Wickland, Dungarvin’s State Quality Director, added.
Through this partnership, Apple Tree Dental will continue to offer services to Dungarvin Minnesota individuals on a regular basis, both at home and in clinic, starting with a few events to see how services are received.
So far, feedback from four individuals who received care in Eden Prairie has been overwhelmingly positive, and individuals report that they are thankful for the opportunity to be included and listened to when they have questions. Renelle, one of the individuals who received care, shared that “the dentist treated me with respect, and showed me more knowledge regarding my teeth. It was great information to have.”
The next visit will be some time in 2026.
Dungarvin continues to seek more opportunities to serve the individuals we support in ways that respect and respond to their choices. If you are interested in working with us, please visit www.dungarvincareers.com to see open positions near you.