Specialized Dental Care for Oncology Patients
Trinity Dental Clinic desires to collaborate with Blount Memorial Foundation to provide specialized Dental Care for Oncology Patients treated at Blount Memorial Cancer Center. It offers these patients a continuum of care that is the most comprehensive before, during, and after cancer treatment. Blount Memorial Foundation already assists uninsured and underinsured cancer patients with gas cards, groceries, and household bills but cannot help with medical bills. According to cancer.gov, chemotherapy and radiation can cause acute and chronic oral complications, and patients without insurance have an additional barrier to oral care. A physician came to the organization to inquire about assistance with extractions for patients who need them before being treated and those who require them after treatment. This inquiry and increased requests for assistance sparked the discussion for collaboration and, ultimately, this project. This project aims to provide oral care to these patients, including dental cleanings, extraction of impacted teeth, denture care, and creating and fitting cancer patients with custom fluoride trays to strengthen the teeth during treatment.