Since 1995, the Aloha Medical Mission (AMM) Dental Clinic has provided basic dental care at no cost for adults who are unable to afford it.
AMM Dental Clinic is a secular, nonprofit organization supported by government grants, independent donors and private foundations. Our independence and dedication to our mission has allowed AMM Dental Clinic to thrive, even during the COVID-19 pandemic, while other health centers closed. In 2020 between the months of April and June, the clinic experienced a 267 percent increase in patient visits.
AMM Dental Clinic continues to be a dental health “safety net,” providing care at no cost for the homeless, immigrants, abused women, the elderly, and those with financial limitations, or limited or no dental insurance.
We support the local dental community by referring patients to participating providers. As a no-cost dental clinic, care is limited to dental examinations, cleanings, X-rays, fillings, extractions, limited dentures (for abused women) and limited root canals, with the goal of treating acute dental disease and preventing systemic health problems.
AMM Dental Clinic is grateful to the local dental community for volunteering their expertise and skills and providing pro bono dental care. Each month, five to 12 dentists step up to offer pro bono care. These volunteers allow AMM Dental Clinic to be a “safety net” at no-cost to those in need.
HOW CAN SENIORS BENEFIT?
Tooth decay is common among older adults. Nearly 50 percent of adults 65 years and older have untreated dental conditions, including tooth decay, gum problems and missing teeth.
A virtual educational format called “Kupuna Smiles” has been designed by the HDS Foundation to provide training to nursing home staff and caregivers to obtain certification for oral health care. Expansion through outreach with community partners is on the horizon. The primary goal of this initiative is to improve the oral health of senior citizens in Hawai‘i through community-oriented projects.
The truth of the matter is that seniors are at increased risk for dental problems that affect their overall health and quality of life. Dental disease is a common cause of medical and emergency room visits. AMM Dental Clinic is here to help.
ALOHA MEDICAL MISSION DENTAL CLINIC
(501(c) 3 nonprofit)
200 N. Vineyard Blvd., Unit B-120, Honolulu 96817
Clinic hours: M–F, 8am–5pm
808-847-3400 | www.alohamedicalmission.org
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