Patient Stories
Dorothy’s Story
Dorothy had become so ashamed of her teeth she wouldn’t even leave the house.
“I cried and cried. My 17-year-old son started a savings account called ‘Mama’s
Tooth Fund.’ Some relatives were contributing to it.”
Dorothy had also experienced trouble finding a dentist to treat her 25-year-old
son Joseph who has severe cerebral palsy. Dorothy found Interfaith Dental Clinic
and was delighted that the “tooth fund” would go further since she got an 80%
discount on services.
“When Dorothy first came, her front teeth were severely decayed and she was
missing most of her back teeth,” says Dr. Scanga of Interfaith. “We crowned the
front teeth and did an upper and lower partial. She also had bleeding gums from
periodontal disease. Her treatment would have cost more than $10,000 in private
practice - not counting the services her children needed. Because of our
program, she only had to pay $2,000.”
Dorothy worked hard on her oral hygiene and is encouraging her children to take
really good care of their teeth. Her daughter will soon get braces through
Interfaith’s program, and one of Interfaith’s pediatric dentist volunteers has
been able to do Joseph’s dental work at the clinic.
Dorothy has since become a real estate broker and a Mary Kay consultant -
professions she knows weren’t possible with missing and broken teeth.
“I am excited about this new potential for income and what it could do for my
family. I really am so thankful. The program has really enhanced my life
personally and professionally. I’d like to thank everyone involved.”