Roberta S.

Roberta, a very bright and energetic 64 year-old woman, was referred to WISE Care Management in February 2004. She was without funds to pay for much needed dental work and was desperate. Roberta was fighting to keep her teeth. The dentists at the free clinic wanted to pull all of Roberta's upper teeth and the clinic didn't provide the rest of the dental work she needed. Due to the deteriorated condition of her mouth, Roberta was not able to use dentures. The thought of being out in public, almost toothless, was causing Roberta to become depressed and discouraged.

A Care Manager, working with Roberta, submitted a grant proposal to a private foundation requesting funds to pay a private dentist to perform specialized dental work. The grant was approved and the foundation paid for all necessary dental procedures. The impact on Roberta's life has been dramatic. Her chronic pain has been almost eliminated and her ability to chew has improved greatly. Roberta will be able to keep her teeth for the foreseeable future. Roberta regained a greater sense of independence and once again resumed participating in her favorite activities.