California seniors lack dental care

The Los Angeles Times reported yesterday on a survey that indicates that men and women over 60 “lack adequate insurance and cannot afford oral healthcare.” Link to full story:

Older L.A. County adults suffer from inadequate dental care

Dr. Roseann Mulligan, an expert in geriatric dentistry at USC, said she was not surprised to learn that so many older Angelenos were lacking in dental coverage and care.

They’re on a limited income,” she said. “They have to pick and choose. . . . Dental insurance for seniors is virtually nonexistent, and unless you’re able to pay out of pocket, you frequently don’t get dental care.”

Increasing numbers of seniors and Baby Boomers are heading out of the country for dental and other medical care when they cannot afford it in the U.S. — especially when the work required is major.

Preventative care is key to long-term oral health at any age, according to Telma Rubinstein at Prisma Dental in Costa Rica.

“So often, we see patients who have not been able to have adequate care for too long,” she commented. “They end up needing far more extensive work, with implants, than perhaps they would have needed just a year or two before.”

Costs are substantially less in at Prisma than in Costa Rica and, frequently, dental work that a patient might think is beyond his or her means can be affordable.

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Related posts:

  1. Dental care growing concern for U.S. seniors
  2. Affordable and available dental care
  3. CBS News: Americans lack for dental care

Chloe Amour said,

June 9, 2009 @ 7:13 am

I went to C.R. for dental work 9 years ago. It was a fantastic and memorable experience. The Drs. (both) are awesome and incredibly sweet and sensitive to your specific needs.
I plan to return in the near future for more work, and it’s nice to feel safe and confident with their experience, and great staff.
HI DR.C HI DR.R much love chloe

admin said,

June 9, 2009 @ 7:26 am

Come on back anytime, Chloe — let us know if we can help! :-)

-jeff

marcia said,

July 5, 2009 @ 6:17 pm

Where can I find a Thousand Oaks, CA periodontal plan?
I need quarterly cleanings. I also need full mouth periodontal surgery.
I’m a female, age 68. My current Periodontist said time is running out–I need the surgery to keep from losing my teeth.
I can’t afford the $12,000 cost.

insurance said,

July 12, 2009 @ 11:14 pm

insurance…

I don’t agree with this post (Managing a global dental practice | Prisma: World-Class, Affordable …), but I do appreciate your point of view….

admin said,

July 22, 2009 @ 7:17 am

Hi Marcia,

I know the dentists have been in contact with you. If you have any additional questions or want to make travel arrangements, please contact Tiffany at Prisma. The contact information is near the top right of every page on the blog.

dentist from mds egypt said,

November 18, 2009 @ 5:10 am

Really great clinic and very impressive cases. I am studying for my degree in cosmetic dentistry and i am really impressed by the high art sense in your imaged cases.

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