Northeast Delta Dental Foundation, Bangor Savings Bank Foundation, and Cogswell Benevolent Trust help fill the gap in Medicaid coverage for oral healthcare.

Stratham, NH – Aspire Living & Learning announced today that Northeast Delta Dental Foundation, Bangor Savings Bank Foundation, and Cogswell Benevolent Trust awarded the organization with grants to provide preventive and restorative dental care for individuals supported by Aspire’s residential services in New Hampshire. The need for care is urgent because most adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in NH do not have dental insurance.

One older man supported by Aspire had a sharp front tooth that was catching his lip, causing pain and anxiety about eating. He sometimes responded to this pain with self-injurious behavior, so the tooth was placing him at risk of more serious injury. The dentist was able to save the tooth and reduce his pain by reshaping the tooth. Access to dental care improved his comfort and wellbeing on a daily basis.

“We are grateful to these three entities for their strong partnership. These grants will help ensure that everyone we serve has access to adequate oral healthcare,” said Lou Giramma, Aspire’s CEO. “Without this type of support, many individuals will experience long delays and minimal care.”

Approximately 80 percent of the people with intellectual and developmental disabilities whom Aspire supports in New Hampshire rely on Medicaid for their healthcare. Many of these individuals have to forego timely preventative care and treatment because NH Medicaid does not cover routine dental care.