Every Smile is Priceless

Catalytic Health Partners formed a partnership with The Brighter Way Institute to provide life-changing dental and periodontal services to a health population for whom they provide integrated healthcare services to, on behalf of the Care1st Health Plan of Arizona.  

“We’re always looking for effective ways to close healthcare gaps for our members,” said Scott Cummings, State President, Care1st Health Plan Arizona. “Through our partnership with Catalytic Health Partners and Brighter Way Institute, we’re excited to offer quality dental services to many of our adult members to support good oral health.”

Susan Cordts, CEO and founder of Catalytic Health Partners (CHP) teamed with Dr. Kris Volcheck, renowned Arizona dentist, philanthropist and founder of The Brighter Way Institute, to provide crucial dentistry and orthodontic services at no cost to their members, who otherwise have no access or ability to afford crucial dental care.

“We have always strived to provide the ultimate care to those with the greatest needs in our community with an approach that goes far beyond teeth and addresses the total health and wellbeing for those we assist,” said Dr. Kris Volchek, founder of Brighter Way Institute.  

“I’ve always dreamed of collaborating with a team that can support the total health and wellbeing of our patients. Partnering with Susan at Catalytic Health Partners, we have found a way to bring our services into a completely transformative physical health, behavioral and social support approach that serves those who desperately need our help,” continued Dr. Volcheck.

Volunteers and donations enabled CHP members to receive a range of dental services at no cost. The official launch of the health service program was May 24, 2018, when patients received dental services including extractions, temporary dentures, and preparation for periodontal work and implants. The services provided at the partnership launch event were valued at more than $50,000 in donated services and materials.

“This is the first step in a long journey where we can provide vital dental services to those that are unable to afford or lack access to this type of specialized and essential care,” said Susan Cordts, CEO at Catalytic Health Partners. “This incredible collaboration with Care1st, Dr. Volcheck, and Brighter Way Institute means our members are smiling again and that alone lets us know we are making an impact.”

Oral health has a lasting impact on people’s health and wellbeing, including speech, diet, physical and behavioral health, as well as the ability to obtain employment. The CDC reports that oral health affects self-esteem and productivity as oral diseases—which range from cavities to gum disease to oral cancer—cause pain and disability for millions of Americans. Oral health is also linked to chronic diseases, including diabetes and heart disease.

One of the first members to receive temporary dentures, with a full plan to receive implants, noted that the work provided by Brighter Way and Catalytic Health Partners allows him to keep his job and improve his family relations. Another member mentioned that she has not been able to eat a sandwich and can’t wait to eat foods she hasn’t had because of her dental issues.

The members, who are scheduled for dental services, have told CHP caregivers that these services will change their lives, helping with employment and giving them greater confidence in facing critical life and health challenges.

The partnership between Catalytic Health Partners and the Brighter Way Institute will bring critical oral health and dental services to the CHP health population that live in communities throughout Pima and Pinal counties with a mobile dental care van that is fully-equipped to provide a range of all dental services. The mobile dental care center hits the road on June 1, 2018.

The Brighter Way Institute, which is comprised of the Brighter Way Dental Center for Veterans and the Homeless (formerly CASS Dental Clinic), The Parsons Center for Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, and the Canyon State Academy for Foster Children, launches their mobile dental clinic that travels to different parts of the State to provide critical dental care for those most in need.

This is a philanthropic venture provided by financial donations from Arizona businesses and leaders, along with a team of service volunteers. This social impact work is doing good, giving back and helping to save, improve and change lives in Arizona.

CHP provides health population management services to some of Arizona’s most severely in need, physically ill and behaviorally challenged populations. These individuals have no way to afford or access this type of extensive oral health care, which is fundamental to their health and wellbeing.