HoG’s Dental Program Will Make You Smile
By Cathy Hulbert, Social Worker, LCSW
Dental problems can affect a lot more than your smile. Hemophilia of Georgia wants to help clients avoid the possibility of heart, joint, intestinal and other health problems sometimes linked to tooth decay and infections in the mouth.
HoG’s dental cleaning program pays for two cleanings per year for eligible clients with bleeding disorders who do not have dental insurance. The program could use some more participants! According to Gail Day, LCSW, Director of Social Work, some clients who have completed the paperwork and received approval have not yet used the funds set aside for them. Are you having trouble finding a dentist who is comfortable with your bleeding disorder? HoG nurses and social workers can help with that, too. Do you have dental insurance but not enough coverage to have needed dental work done? HoG social workers might be able to help. Call us at 770-518-8272.
For the dental cleaning program, clients who meet the following eligibility requirements should contact Ms. Day, or their social worker, at the HoG office for an application:
• Applicants must be Hemophilia of Georgia clients who have hemophilia, von Willebrand Disease, or another inherited bleeding disorder.
• Applicants must currently reside in Georgia AND have been a permanent resident of Georgia for a minimum of one year.
• Applicants must provide proof of financial need.
Even if you have avoided the dentist in the past due to a fear of bleeds or a lack of funds to pay for it, good dental care can become a new habit that can improve your life in many ways. As always, make certain that your hematology team knows when you have plans for dental care in case a treatment plan needs to be created for you.