Patient Stories
Jorge’s Story
Jorge Lopez had begun his own handyman business and was busy with electric work,
metal work, painting, and other jobs. However, like many small business
owners, he was without benefits, including dental insurance. Jorge was
missing ten teeth and was suffering from several abscessed molars.
However, the work would have cost around $3,100 at a private practice, and he
knew it would be years before he could save that amount. Jorge and his
fiance first heard about the Interfaith Dental Clinic through a friend in
Debtors’ Anonymous.
When Jorge began the program in April 2001, he told the dentist he had a
specific deadline. He wanted his smile restored before his wedding in
June. "Jorge was wonderful because he was so motivated," says Dr. Susan
Scanga, his dentist at the Interfaith Dental Clinic. "He came in twice a
week so he could get everything done by his wedding day." The clinic
pulled the three infected teeth, did several fillings, and fit him with an upper
partial.
Because every patient at Interfaith pays on a sliding fee scale, Jorge paid 20%
of the cost of the care. Jorge constantly expressed his gratitude for
Interfaith’s services.
"I felt very comfortable with the people at the clinic. They worked hard
to explain exactly what they were doing in my mouth." says Jorge.
Jorge married Amanda on June 30th at Centennial Park, and the pictures were
extra special since both sported beautiful smiles.