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.
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
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
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.
“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
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!
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!
