Volunteers in Medicine, Clinic of the Cascades (VIM Cascades) is proud to announce the expansion of its Health Within Reach initiative, thanks to generous support from the Cow Creek Umpqua Indian Foundation, the Papé Family Foundation, and SunLife U.S. These grants will bolster VIM Cascades’ innovative program pairing medical care with dental hygiene for diabetic patients, providing critical oral health services to an at-risk population while reinforcing the clinic’s mission of whole-person care.
Dental Hygiene for Those in Need
Building on the success of a two-year pilot program called Health Within Reach, funded by the Central Oregon Health Quality Alliance (COHQA), a model proven to improve health outcomes by integrating medical and dental hygiene under one roof, VIM Cascades recently established a dental hygiene suite in its clinic. Previously, VIM Cascades’ patients did not have access to dental hygiene, but with new funding, the clinic now offers onsite dental hygiene and X-rays through contracted expanded practice dental hygienists. This shift has improved access for diabetic patients, many of whom had never received preventive dental hygiene before.
“VIM’s patients are deeply appreciative of the care they receive, and their commitment shows,” says Dr. Tom Bordieri, VIM Cascades board member and pro-bono dentist. “We’re seeing outstanding improvements after cleanings and periodontal therapy. While some face challenges from past tooth loss, their dedication to maintenance care is remarkable. It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of their journey toward lasting oral health.”
The Diabetes-Dental Connection: A Two-Way Street
Research has long shown the bidirectional relationship between periodontal disease and diabetes, but VIM Cascades’ Health Within Reach and Diabetes Wellness programs puts this knowledge into life-changing practice. The clinic’s integrated approach addresses both conditions simultaneously, with remarkable results:
- 65% of participating diabetic patients saw improved A1c levels after receiving dental care.
- Blood pressure control rates jumped from 45% to 70% among program participants.
- Emergency room visits fell 22% below state averages for similar populations.
“I used to struggle with constant gum pain and discomfort, even brushing didn’t help,” said a VIM Cascades patient. “At my first dental visit, we started with a deep cleaning and fillings, and soon, the pain began to fade. But the bigger surprise was learning I had diabetes. With medication, healthier meals, and regular sugar checks, my health improved in ways I never expected. Now, my mouth feels better, my diabetes is under control, and I’m so grateful for this fresh start.”
The Health Within Reach program wraps dental care within VIM Cascades’ comprehensive Diabetes Wellness program, including:
- Tailored nutrition classes with a chef and nutritionist.
- Fitness classes to increase physical activity and whole-body movement.
- Dedicated diabetes nurse care coordination for medication management and monitoring.
- Behavioral health support with 100% access rate for those seeking care.
- Oral hygiene supplies and education.
“We used to require nutrition education before dental care,” notes Kim Rojas Drew, RN, BSN, Diabetes Nurse Care Coordinator at VIM Cascades. “Now we meet patients where they are, whether that’s starting with a painful tooth or joining a cooking class first. The important thing is they’re engaging with their health.”
A Brighter Future for Central Oregon: How Dental Care via Safety-net Clinics Strengthens our Entire Community
Health Within Reach II is an example of how dental care access can improve across Central Oregon. Where once taking on the care of uninsured patients (who often present with complex, untreated conditions) put strains on local dental practices, VIM Cascades’ overall clinic care model makes pro-bono dental care more feasible for providers interested in giving back. Local emergency rooms have fewer people presenting for non-urgent medical issues related to dental health, and VIM Cascades’ diabetic patients show measurable improvements in blood sugar control after simply addressing gum disease.
As we look ahead, we are not just expanding dental access for VIM Cascades’ diabetic patients, we are championing a new standard for integrated care. With improved access and preventive treatment that avoids an ER visit, with every filling that restores someone’s ability to eat pain-free, and every smile refreshed, we are building a Central Oregon where our healthcare system lets no one fall through the cracks. The message is clear: when we provide whole-person care for our most vulnerable neighbors, we nurture the health of our entire community.
For more information:
VIM Cascades
2300 NE Neff Rd
Bend, OR 97701
Contact: Courtney Gallant, cgallant@vim-cascades.org
