Dr. Dan Launches Elder's Oral Care Program

Dr. Daniel Hovsepian (Dr. Dan) and the Akwesasne Dental Clinic team have launched a new and exciting program, "Akwesasne's Elderly Oral Health" program. This new program will be implemented in Iakhihsohtha and Tsiionkwanonhso:te. Dr. Dan will cover regular oral screenings and exams, regular denture care and adjustments, basic oral hygiene care and instructions. Dr. Dan and his staff will also provide guidance for the nursing home staff to aid in daily oral care and referrals for treatment if necessary.

Their goal is to improve on our elder's oral care which has a direct positive effect on their overall health. Early identification and addressing oral health care issues will improve our elder's overall quality of life. Studies have found addressing dental issues such as denture discomfort, mouth sores, xerostomia (dry mouth syndrome), and oral infections in verbal and non-verbal residents can help restore proper nutrition and assist in controlling systemic disease such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Dr. Dan plans to implement a youth program in February as well. The youth program will include in-school oral screening exam with each student receiving an oral health care report card and state future dental needs for each child. Each Akwesasne Mohawk Board of Education classroom will start with a presentation on oral hygiene and nutrition. The youth program includes all students from daycare and Headstart toddlers to grade 8 students with a focus on prevention of cavities.

Dr. Dan has worked at the Akwesasne Dental Clinic for over ten years and purchased the practice last year. He stated, "Oral health makes such a difference in one's health. In the last ten years I've seen improvements in oral health patients here and with these two programs in place, we can see a bigger improvement in oral health in Akwesasne's community members.

Referrals made from the Senior Dental program or the youth program will be geared especially for them, a specialist in pediatric dentistry in Ottawa or a denture doctor specialist; and prosthodontics in Cornwall.