Dental Charities Help Low-Income Families Struggling to Afford Dental Care
Ideally, everyone should have access to dentistry, especially children. When impoverished families can’t afford dental work, adults and children suffer. Oftentimes, people neglect to think of dentistry as a real necessity, like medical care, which is why it’s not covered under traditional insurance. Instead, people have to pay for a separate dental insurance, something that costs more than some families can afford.
Dentistry is important, because teeth are needed for chewing and a single oral infection can lead to death. Regular visits to a dentist can ensure there’s no long-term damage and nothing destroys the teeth and gums. Unfortunately, when a family can’t afford dental insurance, they don’t make preventative visits to the dentist. The result is neglected oral care, which can lead to tooth damage or worse.
For people who can’t afford dental care, dental charity events sometimes occur. CDA Cares provides once-yearly care to unemployed individuals and their families. If you’re in need of dental care, search online to see if similar events are available in your area.
CDA Cares
In San Jose, CA, a group of volunteer dentists got together and treated over 2,000 low-income people. The dentists who volunteered for the CDA Cares clinic made no profit for their efforts and no one, who was treated, was charged. It was an event truly designed to help those in need.
Dr. Mo Saleh, a leading dental professional and advocate for healthy smiles, offered his time to the clinic. He had this to say about the experience:
“The CDA Cares clinics are providing an important service, and the dentists who lend their time to this cause deserve praise and respect. Oral hygiene is an important part of a person’s overall well-being. If left untreated, tooth decay and gum disease can cause other complications within the body. Therefore, this medical attention becomes crucial to a person’s health. Receiving this treatment also helps a person to feel self-confident, thus allowing them to become a more motivated and productive individual. I lend my full support and praise to the program’s organizers and the dentists who are involved.”
Get Involved
With government funded dental programs being cut across the country, it’s more difficult than ever for families to find free or low-cost dental care. In California, low budgets have nearly eliminated the Denti-Cal program, a program that was responsible for the dental care of nearly three million people – including senior citizens and many disabled people.
Dentists are encouraged to donate their time and expertise to programs, like CDA Cares. Dr. Saleh donates his time, because he believes every person deserves a healthy smile. People struggling with no dental care may not be able to find a job and improve their situation. Believe it or not, but people judge others on the quality of their teeth each and every day.
Providing a healthy smile to someone seeking employment helps that person build a life and earn money for their family.
For regular folks, who don’t practice dentistry, getting involved may require a financial donation. If you can afford it, you’re encouraged to give what you can to programs, like the CDA foundation. Look for something local to your community and offer to make a contribution. Your donation will make the difference in a low-income family’s life, by improving their health and helping them achieve a bright and beautiful smile.