Arlington Free Clinic’s Dental Clinic has been up and running for just over a month! During that time we have seen over 70 patients. Each patient has been given a comprehensive exam, treatment plan, x-rays and a cleaning. Nearly all patients will require additional, and often substantial, dental work to get to a “healthy mouth.” Some of these services can be provided via the AFC Dental Clinic. But some patients will have to be sent to our dental referral partners for more extensive work. We are still in need of dentists in the community willing to see one or two of our patients per month. If interested, please contact AFC’s Volunteer Department at volunteer@arlingtonfreeclinic.org. If you would like to financially support Arlington Free Clinic’s new oral health program, please contact Director of Development Alicia Nieves at anieves@arlingtonfreeclinic.org.
Patient Story from Dr. Monica Yavrom, DDS, Arlington Free Clinic’s dentist
A patient came to his appointment and said he had “broken teeth” that had been bothering him for weeks. After a comprehensive oral exam and a full set of x-rays, I discovered that the patient had moderate to advanced gum disease. Unfortunately, the teeth that had been bothering him were unable to be saved, so I had to tell the patient that they would need to be extracted. He was concerned about having to lose several teeth, but showing him the x-rays and explaining that the teeth had infection and bone loss that was beginning to affect nearby teeth helped him understand why it was important that they be removed.
In addition to the extractions, the patient will need some fillings and several periodontal therapy sessions to stabilize his oral health. Because Arlington Free Clinic can provide all of these services, a process that would normally cost over $4,000 in private practice will end up costing the patient only about $250. Thanks to AFC, he will soon be on his way to having a healthy mouth!