Happy Seniors

The SenIOR Program: Smile for your wellness

A University of Michigan Initiative, Generously Funded by the Michigan Health Endowment Fund to restore smiles and empower seniors from Michigan.

Welcome to the SenIOR (Senior Implant Overdenture Restorative) Program! At the University of Michigan, we believe every senior deserves to live with comfort, dignity, and a confident smile.

The senIOR Program is led by a multidisciplinary team from the University of Michigan's School of Dentistry and School of Public Health. We focus on restoring smiles, empowering seniors, and advancing dental education in Michigan.

  • Restore Function & Quality of Life: Provide implant treatment in the jaw for 100 qualifying seniors, turning existing bottom dentures into stable, functional solutions that improve nutrition, appearance, and confidence.
  • Educate & Empower: Offer dental health education for seniors and caregivers, raising awareness about modern dental treatments.
  • Advance Dental Practice & Access: Offer free CE courses and professional training for SenIOR Program collaborating dentist, especially those serving low-income communities.
  • Drive Evidence-Based Insights: Study and share the impact of implant overdentures on seniors’ well-being, supporting future insurance and health policy improvements.

  • Nutritional Deficiencies & Health: Poorly fitting dentures limit diets and cause health issues.
  • Appearance & Self-Esteem: Unstable dentures affect speech, comfort, and confidence.
  • Reduced Quality of Life: Discomfort eating, speaking, and smiling limits daily enjoyment and social activities.
  • Wasted Resources: Many dentures go unused due to lack of stability.

The SENIOR Program provides a proven solution: implant overdentures.

1. Implant Overdenture Treatment for Seniors:
  • Retrofitting existing dentures with dental implants for stability and comfort.
  • Improved ability to chew, speak, and enjoy a wider variety of foods.
  • Significant improvement in confidence and quality of life.
2. Community Education & Outreach:
  • Raise awareness of senior dental issues and solutions.
  • Promote preventive care and oral hygiene.
  • Guide seniors and caregivers to local resources.
3. Professional Training & Education:
  • Hands-on training for dental providers on implant overdenture procedures.
  • Expand access to care, especially in low-income areas.
  • Build a network of skilled providers across Michigan.

  • Age: 60 years or older
  • Residency: Michigan resident
  • Existing Dentures: Currently wear a full denture in good condition
  • Bone Structure: Lack of underlying bone to retain dentures
  • Medical/Dental Suitability: Assessed by our team

How to Apply:

  • Call our program coordinator at [Phone Number]
  • Ask your dentist to submit a referral: Referral Form

Stories of Transformation and Patient Voices:

[Insert Video/Photo Carousel Here]

Lead Funder: Institutional Home:
  • University of Michigan School of Dentistry
  • University of Michigan School of Public Health
Collaborating Organizations:
  • Faculty, staff, students, and volunteers who support the SENIOR Program.

SenIOR Program Coordinator:
Navya Chalamasetty
Phone: 734-647-4199
Email: [email protected]

Mailing Address:
SenIOR Program
University of Michigan School of Dentistry,
Oral Surgery, 1011 N. University Ave #2010,
Ann Arbor, MI 48109
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM EST