The Opportunity
Poor oral health is a significant public health issue for seniors across the nation. As baby boomers retire and people live longer, access to affordable dental care becomes more difficult. Medicare, the primary health insurer for seniors, does not cover routine dental care, while Medicaid coverage for dental care varies considerably by state and is often limited or non-existent. Dental care is a key to ensuring overall health and well-being, and we need to ensure seniors can access the oral care they need to stay healthy. Research, policy, and advocacy are part of our ongoing efforts to effect change nationally.
Our Goal
We believe improved access to oral health care for seniors can result from sound state policy and regulations, mid-level oral health workforce to meet the demand, and support from innovative care delivery models and technology.
Through our work with the Gary and Mary West Senior Dental Center – a senior-focused, nonprofit dental clinic that is taking an integrated approach to addressing the dental, medical, and social needs of seniors by collocating at the Gary and Mary West Senior Wellness Center in downtown San Diego – we are leveraging this experience in our policy and research initiatives to make a positive impact for seniors in California and setting an example for the nation to follow.
Taking Action: The Gary and Mary West Senior Dental Center
The Senior Dental Center links affordable oral healthcare with health and social services at Serving Seniors’ Gary and Mary West Senior Wellness Center, creating a one-stop community care center for older adults.
Research Collaborators
Gary and Mary West Senior Dental Center
The Senior Dental Center links affordable oral healthcare with health and social services at Serving Seniors’ Gary and Mary West Senior Wellness Center, creating a one-stop community care center for older adults.
Publications and Resources
West Health provides a variety of published reports, findings and data, as well as resources that are free and available for use.
Oral Healthcare and Care Coordination News
September 11, 2020
West Health CEO and President Shelley Lyford interviewed on ideaXme
October 23, 2019
10 News: Making It in San Diego: Connecting underserved San Diegans to affordable dental care
West Health does not accept unsolicited business plans or proposals.