KCU fund helps Joplin-area patients get dental care they otherwise couldn't afford

For people who have put off going to the dentist because they simply can't afford it, Kansas City University's Community Smiles Fund is helping turn financial barriers into access to needed dental care.

Dr. Linda Niessen, founding dean and professor of KCU's College of Dental Medicine in Joplin, says the fund is designed to help people of all ages who lack the financial resources to get the dental treatment they need.

One example is dentures. Dr. Niessen says Medicaid may cover an adult patient's dental examination, X-rays and the extraction of remaining teeth, but generally does not cover the dentures needed after those teeth are removed.

The Community Smiles Fund can help

Patients are examined at KCU's Oral Health Center, where dental students, working under faculty supervision, develop a treatment plan. If the patient cannot afford the recommended treatment, they can apply for assistance through the Community Smiles Fund.

The fund can help cover procedures including fillings, partial dentures and complete dentures.

Dr. Niessen says the program benefits dental students as well as patients, because students need the opportunity to perform a full range of procedures before becoming practicing dentists.

"If the patients can't afford the treatment, the students don't learn how to provide the procedure," Dr. Niessen said.

The care is provided by KCU dental students under the supervision of faculty members at the university's teaching dental hospital.

Dr. Niessen says many people in the community may not realize that financial assistance is available and may assume they cannot receive care at the Oral Health Center if they don't have the money to pay for it.

"We want people who need dental care to get the care they need, regardless of whether they can afford it," she said.

Community support

The Community Smiles Fund is supported by area organizations, foundations, businesses, family trusts and individual donors. Niessen says contributors have included Arvest Bank, La-Z-Boy, the Corley Trust, Delta Dental and others, along with KCU employees and individual donors.

Individuals can also contribute to the fund through KCU's website at https://community.kansascity.edu/donate

Or they can simply write a check and mail it or drop it by the Kansas City University College of Dental Medicine.

Dr. Niessen says the fund is ultimately about keeping people from going without care because of their financial circumstances.

"If you have been putting off going to the dentist because you don't have money, there is a way you can get help," Dr. Niessen said. "Don't put it off if you're suffering from a toothache, if you need dentures, if you can't eat."

She encourages people to contact the KCU Oral Health Center for an examination so a treatment plan and possible financial assistance can be discussed.

Another Invaluable Effort: Score 1 for Health

More than 30 years ago, two outstanding Kansas City leaders – Deron Cherry and Dr. Robert Ricci – crossed paths, sparking magic in the delivery of health care for underserved youth.

Today, another invaluable program, Score 1 for Health, continues to reflect both its independent origins and its deep connection to KCU in Kansas City and Joplin, providing vital preventive care to students while offering meaningful, hands-on clinical experiences for students.

KCU-Joplin medical and dental students are giving back to the community through free health screenings for elementary students from local schools.

Annually, KCU's Score 1 for Health provides free, in-school health screenings for more than 11,000 elementary-age children in Kansas City and Joplin.

Many of those served include families from under-resourced neighborhoods. At the same time, medical and dental students gain valuable experience in pediatric health assessment and children learn that visits to the doctor can be fun.

Joplin elementary schools served include Cecil Floyd, Dover Hill, Eastmorland, Irving, Jefferson, Kelsey Norman, McKinley, Royal Heights, Soaring Heights and Stapleton.

People interested in helping can make a positive impact on kids with a tax-deductible donation. Give online at https://community.kansascity.edu/donate or mail your donation to KCU, making checks payable to Score 1 for Health.