The Sunlit Path: Breaking Barriers: Advocating for Bridging the Dental Health Care Gaps
Sunnyhill Inc.
Sunnyhill lights the path to empowered living for individuals diagnosed with developmental disabilities.
Access to dental and vision care is a fundamental aspect of overall health, yet for individuals diagnosed with developmental disabilities, obtaining these essential services is often a daunting and overwhelming challenge. While Medicaid (MO HealthNet) is meant to provide coverage, persistent systemic barriers leave many without the care they need. This article delves into the harsh reality of healthcare accessibility for this vulnerable population, the obstacles they face daily, and the solutions that can drive meaningful change. At Sunnyhill, we are steadfast in our mission to empower individuals and ensure they receive the healthcare services they deserve. However, the story of Warren, a 69-year-old man with developmental disabilities, serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for reform. Warren’s struggle to access $14,000 worth of necessary dental care underscores the life-altering consequences of these barriers—and the undeniable need to address them now.
Systemic Barriers: The Hidden Struggles
Warren’s story is a vivid example of the broader, systemic challenges that individuals diagnosed with developmental disabilities face when accessing healthcare.
Self-Advocacy Corner: Warren's Dental Journey
Warren?has endured years of struggling to access the dental care he desperately needs. While routine care is covered by Medicaid, more advanced procedures like crowns, dentures, and implants are not, leaving him in a dire situation. When Warren required $8,000 worth of bridgework to address severe oral health issues, Missouri’s restrictive Medicaid asset limits prevented him from affording the treatment. His family’s trust exceeded the $5,000 asset cap, limiting them to just $4,000 in annual withdrawals, forcing Warren to wait two painful years before receiving the necessary care. In that time, his oral health continued to deteriorate, causing constant discomfort and impacting his daily life. Today, Warren requires $14,000 in additional dental work, including titanium implants, extractions, crowns, and possibly root canals—expenses Medicaid cannot cover. Sadly, Warren’s story is not unique. Many individuals at Sunnyhill face similar struggles, unable to afford critical dental procedures. This underscores the urgent need not only for an emergency quality-of-life fund but also for the creation of Medicaid provisions that allow for emergency dental care. These waivers would help bridge the gap in coverage and ensure that individuals with developmental disabilities receive the timely and necessary care they deserve.
Wellness Focus: Caregivers Corner
Dental visits can be stressful for individuals diagnosed with developmental disabilities, but the "Tell-Show-Do" method can help ease anxiety and promote positive oral health routines. Here’s how it works:
Additional Tips for Caregivers:
These techniques help reduce anxiety, strengthen the caregiver relationship, and promote better oral health.
Get Involved: Upcoming Sunnyhill Events
Sponsorship and player?tickets are now available for Sunnyhill’s March Matchness at Topgolf on Thursday, March 20, 2025, from 9 AM to 1 PM CDT at Topgolf St. Louis in Chesterfield. Join us for a fun day of golf, NCAA Tournament action, and a delicious Rise & Shine Brunch. Compete in the TopContender Golf Tournament, fill out your NCAA brackets for a chance to win prizes, and enjoy expert tips from a Topgolf coach. All proceeds support Sunnyhill Adventures, helping provide extended golf carts for outdoor activities like ziplining, paddleboating, and fishing for individuals with developmental disabilities. Register now and be part of this exciting day of fun and fundraising!
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Community Spotlight: Carol House Furniture
Sunnyhill is thrilled to recognize Carol House Furniture for going above and beyond to make Josh feel like a VIP during his recent shopping experience. In December, Josh received "Replacement Funds" from the Productive Living Board to help furnish his apartment, which only had a bed and little else to make it feel like home. With a budget of $800, Josh was able to find a perfect, comfortable chair, thanks to the generosity and kindness of Brook Dubman , the owner of Carol House Furniture. Brook connected Josh with Jonathan, a dedicated staff member who spent several hours helping Josh choose the right piece within his budget.
Carol House Furniture’s tagline, "Because You Like Nice Things," truly rings true. Everyone deserves to enjoy nice things, and Carol House went above and beyond to make sure Josh experienced just that, providing him with thoughtful and personalized care every step of the way.
This month, we’re highlighting the challenges individuals diagnosed with developmental disabilities face in accessing dental and vision care. Warren’s story exemplifies the struggles many experience due to limited Medicaid coverage and high treatment costs. His journey underscores the urgency of breaking down these barriers.
However, we can’t do it alone. Your support makes all the difference. Whether it’s contributing to the Sunny Day Fund, sharing this message to raise awareness, or advocating for policy changes, together we can create a future where individuals with developmental disabilities no longer face unnecessary struggles in accessing healthcare.
We invite you to read more in this month's issue, learn how you can get involved, and help us continue making a positive impact in the lives of those we support. Find Program Updates at the Director's Corner