Today, an estimated 33,000 residents in Centre County have no dental insurance. Many simply cannot afford to pay for needed oral health care. Many of our uninsured friends and neighbors wager their health against their finances by delaying urgent care for conditions such as advanced tooth decay and gum disease. When left untreated, these conditions can exacerbate other health issues and can result in permanent tooth loss, septic infections and even death, if not managed.

Patients with less critical needs fend that dental care is key to their employment. The economy of Centre County is dependent upon a vibrant service sector employed to serve food and drink, greet and assist customers, clean guest rooms and be ambassadors to the community. These jobs are nearly impossible to perform without a smile. Patients at CVIM routinely require 5 or more visits to repair and restore salvageable teeth and literally regain their smiles. The transformations we provide to our patients are magical.

Since 2003 CVIM has provided dental care to qualified uninsured families. Between July 1, 2008 and June 30, 2009, CVIM provided over 2,500 dental visits to 970 people. Another 1,600 qualified Centre County residents are on CVIM’s waiting list for dental care. Our patients are “the working poor” and do not qualify for government assistance. CVIM spends approximately $300,000 per year to provide more than $490,000 worth of dental services to our patients. We provide emergency exams, extractions, tooth restorations and dental hygiene thanks to the generosity of donors like you who care about their neighbors.