Dentist gives free care for victims

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March 5, 2010

Program helps domestic violence shelter residents obtain dental care

By DANIELLE RUSH The Kokomo Tribune Fri Mar 05, 2010, 11:11 PM EST

It’s hard to interview for a job when you think the interviewer is staring at the teeth you are ashamed to show.

Pam Isaacs, program coordinator for the Family Service Association domestic violence shelter, said one of her clients faced that issue — she was trying to get back on her feet and become self-sufficient, but was self-conscious about her teeth, which needed serious dental care. The woman had no dental insurance, and it seemed there was no way she could have the work done to fix it.

Then, she talked to Jessica Hewitt, team leader at Be Gentle Cosmetic & Family Denistry in Kokomo, and learned that dentist Dr. Edward Mamaril participates in the Give Back a Smile program, from the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. The program provides free dental care to survivors of domestic violence, through an application process.

Hewitt and the Be Gentle team took it one step further and invited Isaacs to bring women from the shelter Friday for a day of free preventative dental care, including teeth cleaning and some restorative work. Hewitt said women who needed more extensive work were encouraged to apply for the Give Back a Smile program, adding that Mamaril is one of the few participating dentists in Indiana.

The women also received clothing given by Our Friend’s Closet, hair styling and manicures from Carrie White from LaReve salon and massages from Traci Jones of Body and Soul Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork.

Isaacs said five women came for assistance. Their identities were being kept confidential to maintain their privacy, she added.

“This is just a huge blessing for all our women,” she said.

Hewitt said the dentist’s office was closed to other patients Friday, and the staff members provided their services as volunteers. Many of Mamaril’s patients also donated groceries to send home with the women. The staff hopes to make the day an annual event.

Many of the women are living in the shelter’s transitional housing program. When the women first arrive, they may stay up to 45 days in the crisis shelter, learning how to be safe, how to have healthy relationships and how to be self-sufficient. When that time is up, they can move into one of the apartments owned by the organization while they get back on their feet, until they are ready to be on their own again.

Isaacs said the women were grateful for the pampering, and she is glad it is available.

She said many of the women do not have jobs with health insurance, let alone dental insurance, and most have had to put oral hygiene on the back burner.

For some, like the women who inspired her to ask for help, it becomes an emotional burden.

“She knows in her mind when she talks to people, they’re staring at her teeth. When I see her and talk to her, I don’t even notice it, but that’s how she sees it in her world.”

Hewitt said team members were glad to be able to help.

“I about cried when the first lady walked out,” she said.

• Danielle Rush is the Kokomo Tribune education reporter. She can be reached at 765-454-8585 or danielle.rush@kokomotribune.com.

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