New dental health awareness campaign targeting Massachusetts seniors

Universal Dental Plan newly launched its first ever dental health awareness campaign targeting Massachusetts seniors. Based on a large body of major medical research, the organization built its 2010 keynote outreach initiative around three main objectives -- to alert seniors on the high costs and acute health risks of delayed dentistry, educate them on easy and actionable ways to keep major dental problems at bay, and introduce them to a convenient solution that makes dentistry affordable for all.

The organization's outreach initiative will take a two-pronged approach. Firstly, Universal Dental Plan will demonstrate the inextricable link between oral and systemic health to community members of many Massachusetts senior centers and residencies. Additionally, Universal Dental Plan will sponsor several local Elder Care Expos including Old Colony Elder Services' Elder Care Expo in Brockton, MA and the United for Elders Expo of Central Boston Elder Services -- the largest nonprofit elder home care agency in Massachusetts.

Universal Dental Plan launched this year's initiative in response to some very alarming findings. The organization recently commissioned a comprehensive literature review revealing that delayed dentistry and poor oral health increases individuals' risk of heart disease by 180%, diabetes and stroke by 300% and respiratory infection by 500% -- all conditions that commonly plague elder Americans. Yet, just 55% of Americans age 65 and older have visited the dentist in the past year, the number one reason for this being cost.

For Massachusetts seniors without an affordable dental option, Universal Dental Plan is a smart, convenient dental insurance alternative. Universal Dental Plan senior plans offer individuals ages 65 and up 15% off their membership rates and immediate access to discounts up to 50% on all procedures. By taking part in our campaign, elders throughout the Commonwealth will gain invaluable oral health care advice, get free giveaways to help them kick-start their at-home oral health care regimen and have the opportunity to learn about Universal Dental Plan and join on the spot.

SOURCE Universal Dental Plan