Oral Health
HAVEN does not treat teeth. We do not clean, fill, extract, or perform any dental procedure, and we have no dentist on site. Our Oral Health team coordinates instead: we ask about your oral health, work out how urgent it is, and get you booked with a community dental provider who does the treating.
What Our Oral Health Team Does
Dental and medical care are split apart in this country by insurance, by training, and by the buildings they happen in. Patients fall through the middle, and their health suffers for it. Our Oral Health team exists to close that gap for our patients, at no cost to you.
- Ask about your oral health as part of your regular HAVEN visit
- Triage what you tell us, so urgent pain is treated as urgent
- Identify community dental providers you can actually afford and actually reach
- Work with our referrals and insurance counseling teams so cost and paperwork do not stop the appointment happening
- Follow up with you and with the dental office to confirm the appointment was booked and kept
Whether you need a routine cleaning, a filling, or more urgent dental attention, tell your care team. The coordination is ours to do.
Why Oral Health Matters
Oral health is about far more than your teeth. Untreated dental problems can have serious consequences for your overall health and quality of life:
Heart disease
Bacteria from gum disease can enter the bloodstream and contribute to inflammation, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Diabetes complications
Gum disease can make blood sugar harder to control, and uncontrolled diabetes in turn worsens oral health. This cycle makes managing both conditions more difficult.
Mental health & quality of life
Dental pain, tooth loss, and concerns about appearance can affect confidence, social wellbeing, and mental health in ways that are often underestimated.
Nutrition & chronic disease
Difficulty chewing due to dental pain or missing teeth can limit diet and nutrition, compounding the management of conditions like hypertension and diabetes.
Oral health is an essential part of your health.
A Note on Wait Times
We want to be transparent with you: dental resources in our community are in high demand, and wait times can be significant. We know this is frustrating, especially when you are in pain or discomfort.
We encourage you to reach out to us as early as possible so we can begin the coordination process. If you are experiencing acute dental pain, please let your care team know. We will do our best to prioritize urgent situations.
You can also connect with Cornell Scott directly at (203) 503-3000.
What to Expect at Community Dental Providers
Most community dental clinics and safety-net dental providers operate on a sliding scale fee model. This means the cost of your care is adjusted based on your income, so you only pay what you can afford. For many patients, this results in significantly reduced or even no-cost services.
When we connect you with a community dental provider, we will help you understand:
- What documents to bring (such as proof of income)
- What services are typically covered or discounted
- What to expect at your first appointment