After two years of waiting and relentless phone calls, I was on the brink of losing Jessica’s hard-fought dental combo appointment in the operating room (OR).
Why was Jess going to the OR? How come we needed to wait two years? Why was this done at a Children’s Hospital when Jess was 43? Why, did they almost cancel our appointment two days before the procedure? What’s a combo appointment? And how did Jessica’s phenomenal Doctor save the Day? OK, OK, I will start explaining.
WHY?
Every Single Thing
Our daughter Jessica has a rare chromosome disorder and needs help with every single thing, including brushing her teeth. She fights the nightly brushing routine, and staff in her group home cannot force the issue. That would violate Jessica’s right NOT to brush her teeth.
Jess visits the hygienist every few months. She also visits her primary physician. Her primary is not the typical doc. Dr. Jenn Abeles does it all from head to toe. However, there are some procedures that Jess will not tolerate, such as ear cleaning, a pap smear, or even nail cutting.
Hey, Girl – I get it!
So short story long – her primary comes into the OR and provides these services while Jessica is under general anesthesia for her dental work. It’s referred to as a combo service. Or maybe I call it a combo service – there’s probably a much bigger, more complicated word to describe the procedure duet.
Why was Jess going to the OR?
Proper cleaning is impossible to accomplish. And don’t even get me started on the concept of filling a cavity in the office. I would need anesthesia and a glass of wine for that one!
Dental Dilemma for Individuals with Disabilities
Dental cleanings and procedures for individuals like Jess can be done under general anesthesia in a hospital. It’s frightening for family members. On the one hand, who wants their loved one to go this extreme for a full mouth cleaning? On the other hand, healthy teeth and gums are necessary for overall health; poor oral hygiene can lead to other life-threatening diseases.
So, yeah, Jess needs to do this.
The Two-Year Wait
Few dentists offer this service, and the waiting list is incredibly long. I was told to call the office for cancellations, and in 2023, I began calling weekly, then monthly, then every once in a while… I finally gave up after a year of voicemails and frustration.
We decided to wait and do our best to maintain her oral health. When I say our best, what I mean is her dedicated staff in her group home.
Why Children’s Hospital when Jess is 43?
The practice that provides Jessica’s specialized service is more of a pediatric practice with a specialty in individuals with developmental disabilities. Oishei Children’s Hospital of Buffalo is the only dedicated pediatric OR for all subspecialists, such as dentistry. Jess is a good fit for this practice.
Last Minute Crisis – Two days before the procedure
I received a call two days before Dental Day with the news that Jessica’s appointment would be canceled by that afternoon unless we resolved the new issue. New Issue??? UGH, There’s always a dilemma. This is my understanding of the following, and it may have some loopholes or flaws in the retelling.
This is MY Understanding- WARNING!!! I May be Completely Wrong (Not an Unusual Occurrence! 😉)
Adults can receive a procedure at the Children’s Hospital for dentistry only if they are getting a combo adult service. I always thought the combo idea was a great idea. IN FACT, I THOUGHT IT WAS MY IDEA TO DO THE ONE STOP SHOP WITH JESS! Oh well….
Save the Date
Dr. Jenn saved the date two years ago to join the dental team and provide quick services while Jessica was artificially snoozing. This would be the third time Dr. Jenn would join the dental team in the OR.
Disturbing Call
The Dentist Office Scheduler called – “Mrs. Rubin, Jessica’s Primary Care Physician (PCP), needs to have specific OR privileges to provide gynecological services in the OR.” I replied that she has privileges, and this is her third time going in with Jessica.” No Can Do!
In a consolatory funk, I asked, “Well, OK, what if we just do the dental without the rest?” The reply was, “Only combo procedures are allowed with adults.” There’s the hitch, Jessica: an adult can be seen in a Children’s hospital because she’s also receiving a legitimate adult service. I didn’t realize the combo was mandatory – and as I said – I thought it was MY idea to do a one-stop shop!
Dr. Jenn didn’t hear the word “no” and made sure that the operating room appointment went smoothly. She confirmed her proper credentials and submitted documentation to save the combo appointment. THANK YOU, Dr Jenn!
On May 15th, 2025, we kissed Jess for good luck and sent her off to the Operating Room to receive general anesthesia and a body/mouth overhaul.
Pause for a LOUD SIGH OF RELIEF!
Jess had ZERO cavities, did well with anesthesia, had a full exam by Dr. Jenn, and was ready to go home within a few hours.
Moments like these give bring us hope. People care, and we are grateful.
Oh, I guess it’s time to make the next appointment for 2028!
A raw, hopeful story about breaking through barriers with the support of family, friends, and neighbors. Whether you’re facing your own challenges or looking for inspiration, “Raising Jess: A Story of Hope” will show you that thriving is possible, no matter what life throws your way. Raising Jess: A Story of Hope, click here for easy purchase
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