2023

Annual Report

Strong data shows a clear connection between oral health and overall health. Older adults in long-term care and nursing homes are the most vulnerable for oral health problems. This impacts their overall health, wellness, dignity, and quality of life. MOTIVATE provides education and best practices to improve oral health for Maine's long-term care residents.

MOTIVATE Completes

Implementations at New Sites

Lunder-Dineen is currently working on program implementation at
The Barron Center in Portland, ME

Our team partnered with Umaru Balde, Justice, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (JDEI) Director, City of Portland

Marks the first time that MOTIVATE includes a JDEI component

Lunder-Dineen is proud to complete a successful program implementation at
Cummings Health Care in Howland, ME

Our team created a MOTIVATE-based game as a custom feature for this site

Patients and families quizzed each other on the basics of oral health care

MOTIVATE Completes

Implementations at New Sites

Lunder-Dineen is currently working on program implementation at
The Barron Center in Portland, ME

Our team partnered with Umaru Balde, Justice, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (JDEI) Director, City of Portland

Marks the first time that MOTIVATE includes a JDEI component

Lunder-Dineen is proud to complete a successful program implementation at
Cummings Health Care in Howland, ME

Our team created a MOTIVATE-based game as a custom feature for this site

Patients and families quizzed each other on the basics of oral health care

Why is Oral Health

an Urgent Public Health Need in Maine?

36%

of adults in Maine have not visited a dentist in the past year

26%

of adults in the U.S. have untreated tooth decay

$17M

amount Maine pays per year in emergency room dental care

19.5%

of adults in Maine experience tooth loss

Why is Oral Health

Important for Older Adults?

  • Older adults are most at risk for dental diseases and illnesses
  • With retirement, older adults often have less access to oral health care
  • There is a clear link between oral health and overall health
  • Good oral health can be part of healthy aging for older adults
  • Sharing Knowledge

    to Help Others

    Lunder-Dineen presents at conferences to expand awareness of MOTIVATE, share data on its impact, and inform the medical community on how to scale the program to meet public health needs.
    Here's where we were in 2023.

    • March 7, 2023
    • April 17, 2023
    • October 6, 2023
    • October 12, 2023
    • November 8, 2023
    • November 9, 2023
    • Maine Dental Hygiene Association Conference

      Lunder-Dineen presented a poster at this session (Maine Dental Hygiene Association conference)
    • National Oral Health Conference

      Lunder-Dineen presented a poster on oral health education needs. Denise O’Connell, Associate Director of Lunder-Dineen, attended with MOTIVATE Advisory Team members Leonard Brennan, DMD, Jennifer Crittenden, PhD, Matthew Trombley, CEO, Care Continuum Solutions, and Natalie Trombley, MSN, RN, OMNL President
    • Maine Health Care Association Conference

      Lunder-Dineen handed out infographics and quizzed attendees on oral health
    • Idaho Oral Health Program and Idaho State Dental Association

      Lunder-Dineen hosted a virtual CME/CE-certified event to promote oral health for older adults

    “It's all about health literacy. If people don't know the basics about oral health, they don't know what's important or
    what to do.”

    Leonard Brennan, DMD

    Co-Director, Harvard School of Dental Medicine's
    Geriatric Fellowship Program
    MOTIVATE Advisory Team Member

    Upcoming

    professional conferences

    In April 2024, we will present at the National Oral Health Conference in St. Louis, Missouri. We will be joined by a care partner to present their perspective on the need for this program, the role of caregivers, and how they can feel supported in their role.

    In 2023, Lunder-Dineen welcomed Joe Melcher, OTR/L, as a member of the MOTIVATE Advisory Team. Joe is an occupational therapist, care coordinator, and household coordinator at The Cedars in Portland, Maine. Welcome, Joe!

    Learn more about Joe

    Welcome

    Joe!

    Welcome

    Joe!

    In 2023, Lunder-Dineen welcomed Joe Melcher, OTR/L, as a member of the MOTIVATE Advisory Team. Joe is an occupational therapist, care coordinator, and household coordinator at The Cedars in Portland, Maine. Welcome, Joe!

    Learn more about Joe

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