For many low-income and elderly adults, finding and paying for dental care is difficult – if not impossible. The state's Medicaid program offers below-average reimbursement rates, according to a recent American Dental Association survey. As a result, only about 29 percent of the state's dentists accept Medicaid, compared with about 42 percent nationwide. And it's no secret that tooth decay and gum disease are linked to serious health problems, including heart disease and stroke. Luckily, one dentist and two Seattle nonprofit organizations are stepping up by making sure the poorest and sickest seniors receive good dental care. The program involves Dr. Allison Jacobs LeGendre, a veteran dentist who works with hundreds of these seniors at Foss Home and Village and at Providence ElderPlace, both in Seattle. Dr.