The Elder Dental program has received funds to expand operations into greater Attleboro with the Oral Health Foundation of Boston's recent announcement of a one year, $56,914 grant, which will fund the program through August of 2009.

Sponsored by Community VNA, the Elder Dental Program is a community-based, nonprofit program dedicated to helping low-income seniors, age 60 and older, who are not covered by insurance to access dental care.

To receive care through program, prospective patients are screened by the program coordinator for financial eligibility and, once qualified, are matched with a local participating dentist who volunteers to treat the patient in his or her dental practice, using the program's discounted fee structure.

To be eligible, a senior must have an annual income of less than $26,000 ($35,000 for couples) with savings of less than $20,540 ($40,656 for couples).

So far, more than 200 seniors from southern Norfolk County have received discounted dental care through the Elder Dental Program. More than 50 dentists have enrolled in the program to date. Free semi-annual dental screening clinics sponsored by the program help identify those in need of oral health care.

18 towns covered

The program now covers 18 towns. The new expansion communities include Attleboro, North Attleboro, Mansfield, Norton, Seekonk, and Rehoboth.

The original grant towns of southern Norfolk County include Canton, Dedham, Foxboro, Medfield, Millis, Norfolk, Norwood, Plainville, Sharon, Walpole, Westwood and Wrentham.

Prospective patients, as well as dentists interested in volunteering, are encouraged to contact the Elder Dental Program coordinator Elizabeth Perry at 781-769-3710 or visit elderdental.communityvna.com for more information and a patient application.