Most of us don’t look forward to going to the dentist, but what if you had a painful toothache or needed a cavity filled and didn’t have dental insurance or the money to pay for that dentist visit? Many JFS clients face this reality. To help meet their needs, JFS and the Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity (AO) have been working together for over 30 years.
AO is made up of mostly Jewish dentists, some of whom donate their time and resources to those who can’t otherwise afford dental care. JFS first connected with the program in the 80’s. Since then, the program has provided care to nearly 100 patients in need. Teeth cleanings, root canals, abscesses and crowns are some of the services provided. The clients AO helps have few other options for treatment. “State medical assistance now offers some help with dental needs,” explains Director of Emergency Services Carol Mullin, “but it is very limited care. AO has been a fantastic resource for JFS. I am sure this has added to the overall well-being of our clients.”
The benefit to the patients AO has treated extends beyond their visits. According to Dr. Kal Klass, Seattle’s Ambassador for the Holocaust Oral Health Program, “This program makes a tremendous difference. When people have front teeth fixed, they can smile again. When they have painful teeth treated, they can chew their food much better. This, in turn, improves their digestion. Many are able to have a full set of teeth for the first time in a long time and this, again, improves their overall self-image and ability to chew food more thoroughly.”
As with all donated dental treatment, AO dentists do not receive any tax benefit for participating in the program. They choose to give their time and services to improve the lives of people in our community.
Look for more information on Alpha Omega’s service to Holocaust Survivors in JFS Matters this fall.
By Jenelle Birnbaum
Violinist, hiker and all-around arts nerd Jenelle Birnbaum is the Marketing Coordinator at JFS. Outside of that, she enjoys speaking French and vegan cooking.
Feature photo by Vivian D Nguyen
