Patient Stories
Brenda’s Story
Brenda remembers the looks she used to get when her teeth were in bad shape.
“People would look at me and stare at me,” she says. “
My teeth were in horrible shape. My front teeth were all broken off.
My self-esteem was so low. I didn’t even like to look in the mirror.”
Brenda’s paycheck from the school cafeteria combined with the child support
she received for her two daughters still came to less than $10,000 year, making the $5,000
for the dental work she needed an unreachable amount.
In 2006, a friend of her mother’s told the family about the Interfaith Dental Clinic, and Brenda was accepted.
“When we first saw her, her teeth were the first thing you noticed - and not in a good way,” recalls Nancy Collins, the staff hygienist.
“I hadn’t been to the dentist in a long time. I was nervous and scared,” says Brenda. “But they made me relax. They are really nice here.”
Brenda needed some fillings, a front bridge, and some extractions. She also received some intensive oral hygiene training - a primary emphasis in Interfaith’s program.
“Her oral hygiene habits have dramatically changed,” says Nancy. “She has really improved and she’s anxious to pass that on to her children.”
“I used to go without flossing, but I floss all the time now!” laughs Brenda.
With the 80% discount she receives through the clinic’s program, Brenda’s entire treatment
came to $1,100 over 18 months. Brenda knows it has been worth every penny.
“I felt ugly before. Now I feel pretty. I don’t mind looking in the mirror at all now!”