The Dental Assistance Program provides low-cost dental work for dialysis patients whose last barrier to placement on the kidney transplant waiting list is dental work. A clean bill of health, including dental health, is required in order to be placed on the kidney transplant waiting list. Patients are referred by the University of Tennessee Center for Transplant Services.
Dental Health and Kidney Disease
Your mouth is more than just a smile—it’s the gateway to your overall health. For people living with kidney disease, dental care is especially important. Kidney disease can weaken your immune system, making it harder to fight off infections, including gum disease. At the same time, oral health issues can create inflammation and bacteria in the body, which can stress your kidneys and increase the risk of heart problems.
Many dialysis patients also experience dry mouth, bone changes in the jaw, or gum tenderness due to their treatment or medications. These changes can make eating harder, reduce nutrition, and lower quality of life. By supporting dental care, we help patients protect their health, keep eating the foods they need, and smile with confidence.
Our Dental Care Partners
East Tennessee Kidney Foundation is pleased to partner with Trinity Dental Clinic, located in Blount County. Trinity Dental Clinic offers affordable dental care to residents of Blount County as well as dialysis patients in the Dianne Hagey Dialysis Transportation Program.