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Adults with emergency dental needs, but without the insurance or money to pay for such services, now have a way to get help.
A collaboration of Haywood Christian Ministry, Haywood Vocational Opportunities, Haywood County Health Department and dentist Dr. Eric Morrison has brought this service to the community.
Jana Jones, case manager at HVO, said she approached Lisa James, executive director of Haywood Christian Ministry, at the beginning of the year after a two-year grant for dental care ended. The grant of $50,000 operated from 2004 to 2006, serving 191 Haywood County residents.
“After the money ended, the grant wasn’t renewed. It was so very helpful so Lisa and I talked and said, ‘let’s try to pursue doing this again,’” Jones said.
The two women brought in Carmine Rocco, director of the health department, and Morrison, who has previously helped people in need with dental problems. From there, letters were sent out to county dentists in search of support and the collaboration received it.
They got $21,000 in monetary and in-kind donations from dentists, and received a $9,000 grant from the N.C. Free Clinic Association.
Starting tomorrow, Sept. 1, adults with no to little income without insurance or Medicaid can get help for dental problems.
“There’s a huge need (for dental help),” Morrison said. “Every day I see people who have dental emergencies and they just can’t find someone to see them.”
There are 11 dentists participating, including the Haywood County Health Department’s dental clinic. But right now, the program, Haywood County Dental Project, can only help those with emergency dental problems.
James said that the previous grant was not continued because it did not demonstrate sustainability.
“We will possibly apply again once we demonstrate it’s sustainable, and we want to do restorative care as our next step,” she said.
Adults who have a dental emergency need to contact Haywood Christian Ministry, which will handle the finances and provide the referrals. Because Haywood Christian Ministry is a nonprofit organization, donations made for the program are tax-deductible.
Rocco said that through the health department’s dental clinic, a real need in the community has been seen.
“We recognize the dental needs in the community are great, and that’s why I’m glad to see this program,” Rocco said. “I think it will fill a gap for those without dental insurance who may have a minor problem that, without treatment, could escalate into something more serious and probably drive that person to the emergency room.”
While the group has worked for the last eight months to get this project off the ground, both Jones and James said Dr. Tish Ballance has helped several clients of Haywood Christian Ministry and HVO with dental emergencies.
Now that the project kicks off tomorrow, Morrison and his fellow dentists are ready.
“Bring them on,” he said. “We’re ready to take care of them. I like helping people.”
Those adults who lack dental insurance or the means to pay for emergent treatment can contact Haywood Christian Ministry at 456-4838. From there, the person will be referred to a participating dentist.
For more information about the Haywood County Dental Project, call Jana Jones at HVO at 456-4455 or Lisa James at Haywood Christian Ministry at 456-4838.
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