Putting off a trip to the dentist is a common practice for people struggling to make ends meet, especially if it’s a choice between that or paying the electric bill or rent.
Some 16 attendees of Catholic Charities St. Martin de Porres Senior Center received free dental care March 13.
Dr. Joon Coe and his wife, Julie, also a dentist, brought a pickup truck pulling a white fully loaded dental trailer, operated by Fenwick Dental Services, to the senior center in the west end of Alexandria.
Fenwick Foundation Dental Program is a non-profit entity that provides care to low-income people without access to dental care, particularly people over age 60. It also provides monthly dental care to patients at Catholic Charities Mother of Mercy Free Medical Clinic in Woodbridge.
“For St. Martin de Porres, quite a few of the seniors had not seen the dentist since the COVID pandemic began,” said Juanita Balenger, program director. “Of course, those with no dental insurance were grateful for being seen.”
“They did a good job,” said Sandra Walker, a patient. “This is the first time in my life I got my teeth cleaned and didn’t feel anything. They were so gentle — it was really nice.”
“My visit was excellent,” said senior Gilma Organista.
