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behopeful Asked March 2015

How do I find a dentist who feels comfortable treating a patient with dementia?

I thought I could take my mom to any dentist but I think it would be preferable to see some one who is familiar with treating patients who have dementia. I felt this doctor was not comfortable and she wants my mom to see a surgeon for a straight forward front tooth extraction. Is there a way to find out what doctors feel comfortable treating patients? Our insurance is Medicaid and I did call a Medicaid case manager who said that they have no way of knowing. Any ideas of who I can ask?

Rosebush Mar 2015
Guess I was lucky that my mom a both upper and lower dentures, never even thought of this issue. My dad 's dentist said he need partial upper and lower plates. After getting the estimated bill, we decided that he would be less expensive to buy the supplemental dental insurance. Had to wait 3 months. Another 6 months before it was all finished. afyer about 4 months of wearing them faithfully, sometimes I still find them soaking in the bathroom or laying on the table beside his chair. Recently moved dad in with us and yesterday while cleaning out his house, found another set of plates that he had made years ago, looks just like the new ones to me. Good luck with your dental journey.

blannie Mar 2015
Here's what the Alzheimer's Association says about it - contact your local dental society and ask for referrals of dentists who are comfortable with Alzheimer's patients. http://www.alz.org/care/alzheimers-dementia-dental.asp#working

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freqflyer Mar 2015
Another suggestion is to call your local Agency on Aging, maybe they have a list of dentists. Go to the website below... click on your State.... go to your County.

https://www.agingcare.com/local/Area-Agency-on-Aging

behopeful Mar 2015
Thanks. I did that with the dentist we went to. She assured me that she was fine with testing patients with dementia and here I am seven months later and I can hardly get anything from her except for my mom to see a surgeon to remove a cracked front tooth. She won't even treat me because I've been getting the PROLIO shot. I wonder if any dentists would admit that they either can't or would prefer not to?

freqflyer Mar 2015
My boss had to get on the phone and call different dentists to find one who was familiar with dealing with an Alzheimer's patient.

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