No Smile Left Behind

Getting routine dental exams is one of the best preventative measures you can take to reduce tooth decay and gum disease. For many Americans, however, taking time off work and finding a convenient and affordable dentist can be a challenging roadblock. Without assistance, it’s easy to make other appointments and chores a bigger priority for you and your family. Unfortunately, letting oral health decline can result in costly and painful treatments.

Susanne, lead Health Care Navigator at Mercy Housing Colorado (MHCO), recognizes the importance of dental hygiene and has built a relationship with Dr. Becker and his No Smile Left Behind practice in Denver. Dr. Becker brings the benefits of a full-service dental practice to the doorsteps of thousands every year through his mobile dental office.

The mission of No Smile Left Behind is simple, “to overcome barriers to care, to promote oral health, and deliver compassionate dental care for one and all.”

The fully equipped mobile dental office has two exam chairs that can aid in a wide variety of services from basic teeth cleanings and gum treatments to crowns and root canals.

MHCO recently kicked off this new partnership at Holly Park Apartments and Decatur Place in Denver and Commerce City. Each site visit was part of a community-wide health fair that was open to Mercy Housing residents and neighbors in the community. No appointments were necessary, and each property serviced between 15-20 patients.

Susanne is excited about bringing this resource to so many people and the overall positive health benefits it will have. “It’s important this is a community event and a resource for everyone in the neighborhood. Our hope is to provide these services on a routine basis throughout the year so families, especially children, can have access to the oral care they need.”

As this program really gets moving and the service area expands, Coloradans can look forward to the No Smile Left Behind practice rolling into a neighborhood near them.