More than 20 people attended the free dental event, which was geared toward helping single mothers and women who are victims of domestic violence.

VIRGINIA BEACH , Va. – For Sandy* a day at the salon meant getting her cavities filled and her hair done.

"I don't have a chance to get out by myself a lot," she said. "I have to do everything I can whenever I find the time."

Thanks to collaboration between Operation Blessing, the Virginia Beach Technical and Career Education Center, the Oral Health Improvement Coalition of South Hampton Roads as well as Access Partnership, women like Sandy were able to get a dental check up and a makeover all in one day.

More than 20 people attended the event, which was geared toward helping single mothers and women who are victims of domestic violence.

"It's important to help restore self-esteem," said Anupama Reddy, program coordinator with Access Partnership. "That starts with a healthy smile."

Dental assistant students were on hand to help assist eight volunteer dentists in cleaning, scaling and filling cavities during the one-day event. When clients were done with their oral hygiene appointments, they were able to relax in the school's salon where they were given haircuts and styles, pedicure and manicures as well as facials.

When clients were done with their oral hygiene appointments, they were able to relax in a salon where they were given haircuts and styles, pedicure and manicures as well as facials.

It was her birthday and Sandy was happy to have her teeth cleaned as well as two cavities filled. As she sat getting her hair styled, she talked with other clients.

"It's nice to come get pampered but it's also good to share your story," she said. "We can see we aren't alone and even talk to these young girls at the school about making the right choices."
Sandy, a mother of three, is a client of Samaritan House, a non-profit agency that helps women and families escape domestic violence situations.

Even though Sandy has a full-time job, she doesn't have dental insurance and has been unable to go to the dentist for years. She feared losing her teeth, but the visit today prevented that.

"Dental issues can affect the entire body," said Oscar Marcano, OBI's Mobile Dental Clinic coordinator. "That is why it is our goal is to help alleviate suffering in any way possible."

OBI's Mobile Dental Clinic was on-site providing x-ray support to the dentists working in the school.

*Names have been changed to protect identity.

HOW YOU CAN HELP
Be a part of OBI's ongoing medical relief efforts by making an online contribution to help those suffering from extreme poverty and sickness.

 

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