BEND, Ore. — Access to dental care can be difficult in the High Desert, especially for those without insurance. For patients with other medical conditions, getting dental care can feel impossible.
Volunteers in Medicine (VIM) is working to change that. Thanks to several recent grants, the nonprofit has opened a new dental hygiene suite at its Bend clinic. The addition will provide patients with essential dental services.
“So far, several of our patients from the initial Health Within Reach Initiative are now able to receive care on-site at the VIM Cascades Clinic,” said Courtney Galland, Director of Philanthropy & Community Outreach.
More than half of VIM’s patients have diabetes, which increases their risk for dental problems. The new suite allows the clinic to deliver care while teaching patients how to maintain good oral hygiene.
“Once they understand the connection between dental health and other conditions, like diabetes, they can see positive outcomes across the board,” Galland said.
For patients who cannot easily travel to Bend, VIM offers a pro-bono network of dentists across the tri-county area.
“We have pro-bono providers in outlying communities, so patients can receive care in their hometowns,” Galland said.
