When a dental crown falls off, it’s more than just an inconvenience—it’s a serious health issue that requires immediate attention. For many older adults on limited incomes, however, getting that care isn’t always straightforward. This is the story of how our donor-supported Care & Connect Mobile Dental Clinics made a critical difference for one Seattle resident.
Our Care & Connect program has been serving the Pacific Northwest since 1989. We provide urgent dental care, health screenings for conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and depression, referrals for ongoing care, health education, and more. Since its inception, our Care & Connect program has provided critical healthcare services to over 500,000 people valued at over $2M—but those who received our services were not charged a cent. That’s how we are breaking down barriers to healthcare for our neighbors right here in the US, neighbors just like Laurie.
A Common Problem with Serious Consequences
Laurie, a 72-year-old retired laundromat worker, recently faced this exact situation when a crown on one of her molars came out. Laurie began to avoid chewing on that side of her mouth, but with no teeth on the other side, eating had become a real challenge.
While the exposed tooth didn’t hurt, Laurie knew she was risking more serious problems down the road if she didn’t get help. The challenge? Her very basic health and dental insurance wouldn’t cover the care she needed. Her dental coverage was limited to accidents only—no routine cleanings, no crown replacements, nothing that would help with her current situation. The cost of paying out of pocket was simply not an option for Laurie, who lives on a fixed income like many older Americans.
Finding Help Through Community Care
When Laurie saw a flyer advertising a Medical Teams dental clinic in her community, she knew it was time to act. The clinic offered exactly what she needed: accessible, professional, free dental care.
Hygienist Kara started by cleaning her teeth, since Laurie couldn’t remember the last time she’d had a professional cleaning. She then moved to the other end of the mobile dental van for an examination by volunteer dentist Dr. Chugh, who would assess how to fix her missing crown.
The x-rays revealed a lurking danger–the remaining portion of the tooth was broken with a piece missing, and infection had developed at the root. The tooth couldn’t be saved—it had to be removed completely.
While this wasn’t the outcome she’d wanted, Laurie understood that it was necessary and, with education and support, agreed to the procedure. More importantly, she was deeply grateful that she had somewhere to turn for help.
The Impact of Accessible Care
“I want to say thank you so much for these services,” Laurie said. “It is so helpful for many of us in this community to have a convenient place to go to have questions answered and to be cared for. I am so grateful.”
Her words underscore a critical gap in healthcare access that many older adults face. When basic dental insurance doesn’t cover routine preventive care or necessary procedures, mobile clinics and community partnerships become lifelines—providing not just treatment, but dignity and hope to those who might otherwise go without care.
Monthly giving is a critical way to provide our Care & Connect Clinics (just like the one that Laurie visited) with sustainable funding. This month, we are inviting people to join the Pulse, our community of monthly givers, so that neighbors like Laurie don’t have to wait until a dental issue becomes an emergency.
When you join The Pulse, all new and increased monthly gifts will be matched for the first month up to $10,000 through February 20.
Monthly giving brings hope. Your generosity helps us hire local staff, maintain equipment, stock pharmacies, and walk alongside communities through crisis and recovery — for our neighbors here at home and around the world.