On October 16, 2024, surrounded by faculty, students and caregivers, Jerry Olson, DVM, MS, became the first patient at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine (CU SDM) to use a special wheelchair lift, allowing him to receive dental care without transferring from his chair.
Jerry’s wife and primary caregiver, Patricia Olson, DVM, PhD, makes sure he receives the best care possible. She knew after their first visit to the Senior and Special Care Clinic (SSCC) at CU Dental that she had made the right decision about his dental care.
First, Jerry’s lifelong passion is teaching. They were both professors of veterinary medicine at Colorado State University. She knew he would appreciate being part of the dental students’ education.
Second, they both loved interacting with the dogs (Sunshine and Whiskey Girl) who visit the clinic to offer therapeutic support through the Paws for Smiles program.
Third, Associate Professor (C/T) Sarah Dirks, DDS, saw that the clinic needed a better way to support patients like Jerry who use a wheelchair.
“Dr. Dirks was great, and she let us know that the clinic was working to improve how they cared for individuals with wheelchairs,” Patricia said.
Navigating Life After Stroke
When Jerry retired on June 1, 2021, Patricia knew life would change significantly. But she could not have predicted how seriously. On June 4, 2021, he had his first stroke.
Patricia said that while no two strokes are the same, Jerry's doctors thought his case was unusual. They discovered it was caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), which is the same virus that causes shingles. Even though Jerry had received all the recommended shingles vaccines and didn’t have a rash, his doctors think the virus stayed hidden in his body. Over the next few months, Jerry had two more strokes and could no longer initiate speech (aphasia).
As a result, Jerry is unable to stand, walk, or speak without assistance.
“It didn’t take long to realize that a lot of things had changed,” Patricia said.
Patricia also knew that in addition to physical and speech therapy by the specialists at Craig Hospital, CU Boulder and CU Anschutz, Jerry would need specialized dental care.
“Jerry had been on a lot of steroids and other medications,” she said. “At one point he was taking bisphosphonates and several teeth were affected. Bad teeth or gums have the potential to result in bacteremia, which can cause infection elsewhere.”
About the Wheelchair Lift
Dental staff are not typically trained to transfer patients with mobility limitations from their wheelchairs to the dental chair. Without a wheelchair lift, patients who use wheelchairs had three choices at the dentist: they could move themselves, have a caregiver help them move, or not move at all. Even with a trained caregiver, transferring a patient who cannot support their own weight is not a great option.
The first time Patricia and Jerry visited the SSCC, the exam required two caregivers to help Jerry transfer to the dental chair.
So, Dirks researched how to best help Jerry, finding a wheelchair lift that would allow him to stay in his chair while having dental work done. A lift is safer, providing greater comfort for the patient and better ergonomics for the dental team.
Unfortunately, wheelchair lifts are not common in dental offices. There are only two such lifts currently available in Colorado, according to the manufacturer.
“Patients have no idea that these lifts exist,” Dirks said. She’s hopeful this educational experience inspires students to consider having a lift in their own offices to increase access to care for patients who use wheelchairs without sacrificing ergonomics.
Treating from the Wheelchair
The faculty and staff at CU Dental were thrilled with how well the wheelchair lift worked for Jerry, his caregivers and his providers.
Patricia said the wheelchair lift made the appointment much easier.
“Jerry doesn't have to feel stressed about people trying to get him into the right position,” she said. “The compassion CU Dental has shown to him, to us, and to the caregivers has been wonderful.”
Top Image: Jerry Olson, DVM, MS, is happy to receive dental care in his wheelchair, with his wife Patricia Olson, DVM, PhD, (right) and CU SDM Associate Professor (C/T) Sarah Dirks, DDS, (center) at his side.
