Temporary housing Shelter Dental Care

We learn a lot about why our adult patients are experiencing homelessness during their 90 minute dental appointments. Many of our female patients are escaping an abusive lifestyle, untreated mental illness, have chronic unemployment, or substance misuse. Our male patients have untreated mental illness, job loss, recent release from incarceration, are veterans with PTSD, or have experienced a major medical situation that make it impossible to work.

There are numerous medical conditions that present themselves with an oral link. Our providers are trained to recognize signs of oral/ medical systemic links and refer to our partner physicians for advanvced care.   

Providing on-site care inside temporary housing shelters increases access to care and removes barriers to care such as lack of transportation, financial limitations and the fear of approaching a traditional dental office for an initial visit after many years without care. 

Our on-site dental care increases self esteem and creates motivation to seek housing and employment. Our care reduces unnecessary visits to the emergency room for tooth aches and eliminates how society judges people for having poor oral health and missing teeth. 

Our patients tell us they feel negatively judged by potential employers and landlords for the appearance of their teeth.  

People experiencing homelessness need more than just a bed, food and clothing. They need access to compassionate and quality onsite dental care in the safe space of the facility. 

 Our underserved patients need access to dental care to relieve pain, end being judged, achieve overall health and gain self confidence for employment which leads to housing and stability.