Hospitals in Action >> Case Examples

ADVOCATE ILLINIOS MASONIC MEDICAL CENTER – Chicago , Illinois
Special Patient Dental Care Program

What is it?
A unique, largely grant-supported program, the Special Patient Dental Care program provides comprehensive dental care to adults and children with developmental disabilities. Eligible patients can receive care on a sliding fee scale, based on their ability to pay.  

Who is it for?
Chicagoland’s adults and children with developmental disabilities, including Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, mental retardation, and seizure disorder.

Why do they do it?
Most dentists lack the skills, time, or resources to manage these underserved patients in their private offices. These patients usually have limited finances and other limitations that make basic oral hygiene care extremely difficult and not a high priority, often resulting in serious dental problems.

Impact: Since 1994, there have been 29,636 patient visits through the program, with an average of 1,983 patients benefiting from the program annually.

Contact: Judith Walker
Manager of Dental Programs
Phone: 773-296-8189
E-mail: Judith.Walker@advocatehealth.com