Deserving Dental, a team of Direct Access Registered Dental Hygienists bring free-of-charge dental cleanings, periodontal therapy, digital x-rays, exams, oral cancer screenings, glass ionomer fillings and the SDF drill- free cavity obliteration technique to homeless shelters, nursing homes, residential substance abuse treatment facilities, and community agencies across Denver and beyond. We set up makeshift offices at each site with portable dental equipment. We serve a diverse array of at-risk individuals including seniors, children, and families, many of whom are homeless. Along with sister organization Dental At Your Door, Deserving Dental is currently the only dental hygiene provider allowed inside 30+ locations citywide. It is not uncommon for our patients to cry tears of relief after getting their teeth cleaned...having a healthy smile for the first time in years can feel overwhelming.
It also increases employment opportunities. Many patients are excited about smiling big for job interviews and housing applications. We had one man shave off his overgrown beard and mustache after our dental hygiene session. He said he didn’t need to hide his teeth behind that long beard anymore. He didn’t even look like the same person, and it wasn’t just the beard—you could see the confidence just beaming in his smile and eyes.