A Free Dental Exam Proves Life-Altering
from vtfreeclinics.org
Above all else, the students, staff, and volunteers of the Red Logan Dental Clinic – together with their colleagues at the Good Neighbor Health Clinic – care deeply about patients.
GOOD NEIGHBOR HEALTH CLINIC & RED LOGAN DENTAL CLINIC
White River Junction, Vermont
David* was referred to the Red Logan Dental Clinic in White River Junction because he was in pain. His first dental appointment in 15 years was a comprehensive oral exam by a dental extern from the Boston University School of Dental Medicine. The extern was supervised by Dr. Keith Rogerson, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and one of the Red Logan Clinic’s volunteer mentors.
Using a recently installed, state-of-the-art Panorex x-ray – a contribution of the Gladys Brooks Foundation – the extern, working with Dr. Rogerson, identified a lesion that looked suspicious. The patient returned to the clinic for a biopsy and the tissue was sent by courier to Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center. DHMC provides free lab work as part of the hospital’s support of the Red Logan Dental Clinic and its patients.
The biopsy was positive for ameloblastoma – a rare kind of tumor that starts in the jaw, often near the wisdom teeth or molars. It’s made from cells that form the enamel that protects the teeth. Following two surgeries at Dartmouth-Hitchcock, David was left with a small indentation in his jawbone and the loss of just one tooth. Further treatment is not required, and David’s prognosis is good.
David has returned to the Red Logan Clinic for ongoing dental care. Since initially being treated at the clinic, he has lost 21 pounds, reduced his use of insulin by 75 percent, and is committed to taking care of himself.
Above all else, the students, staff, and volunteers of the Red Logan Dental Clinic – together with their colleagues at the Good Neighbor Health Clinic – care deeply about patients.
“Our vision is to help create a community where people have access to the healthcare resources they need to reach their potential for mental, physical, and social well-being. Real change happens when expert care, so freely provided, is embraced by patients”
Dana Michalovic, Executive Director of the clinics
David’s story is but one example of that real change.
*The patient’s name has been changed to respect privacy, protect identity, and assure confidentiality.Categories
This White Paper and Power Point Presentation on fluoride that was prepared for us by students participating in the Social Impact Practicum at Dartmouth College:
Fluoridation and Oral Health in the New Hampshire and Vermont
