Blog
Serving Vulnerable Patients
Life-changing outcomes are common due to the expertise and efforts of clinic staff and volunteers.
Nina is an elderly woman with diabetes who had neglected her oral hygiene due to mobility issues and the cost of visiting the dentist. As a result, she developed periodontal disease, worsening her diabetic symptoms. After being referred to her local free clinic, the GoochlandCares dental team got to work, providing scaling and root planing treatments as well as educating Nina on her condition. The team put together a tailored hygiene plan for her inclusive of future follow-up calls and visits. Nina has improved her gum health, leaving her pain free and allowing her to focus on managing her blood sugar. “You all have done so much for me,” Nina said. ‘You have helped me greatly with my dental needs.”
These kinds of life-changing outcomes are common at Virginia's free and charitable clinics, thanks not only to the expertise and tireless efforts of clinic staff, but to volunteers as well. Interested healthcare professionals who are willing to serve in their local clinics can find volunteer opportunities here.
