Great Grant: Dental Care in Your Home

Dental Care in Your Home

Dental Care in Your Home is a valuable nonprofit that provides dental care, including cleaning, X-rays and other much-needed procedures, to homebound people. Founded in 2010, the program brings dentists and dental hygienists directly into the homes of elderly, sick and disabled giving them the opportunity to be cared for in the safety and convenience of their own living spaces.

The top-notch care this organization provides really makes a difference in the lives of needy New Mexicans: consider the story of an elderly man with stage 4 cancer who was confined to his bed. A visit from Dental Care in Your Home revealed his damaged, bleeding gums, as well as multiple broken teeth and dentures. The professionals cleaned his teeth and applied silver nitrate, helping soothe his continued pain and discomfort. When they returned for a follow-up visit three weeks later, his gums were completely healed.

With help from the Foundation, Dental Care in Your Home was able to increase the availability of dentists in 2015. Dental Care in Your Home served over 600 people in 2015, 59% of whom are over the age of 81. In 2016 the organization hopes to double the number of homebound people they serve.