LOS ANGELES, CA – There is a direct correlation between access to proper dental care and level of income. In order to bridge the gap, there is a small team of dentists and dental staff working to provide care for low-income residents and veterans in Riverside County.
- People skipping costly dental visits
- Correlation between access to dental care and income
- Dental clinic providing care for low income residents
On Tuesday, 66-year-old Melinda Tsai went to her third appointment at Smile Unto Him dental clinic for a root canal. Tsai underwent a root canal once before, but at a different dental office in China.
“We cannot afford, so we only wait until we go back to my country because my country is cheaper,” said Tsai.
She said a lot of her friends who are also senior citizens often wait until the pain is unbearable to seek dental care and when they do, they fly back home to pay less. This could mean months or years for patients like Tsai who has to live with her tooth pain.
Many people living in Riverside County are skipping out on dental visits not because they want to, but because they can’t afford them. Situations like these inspired Doctor Sue Suh to start Smile Unto Him, a dental clinic, where she and her team offer free care to seniors and veterans in the county.
“I’m passionate about this because of my faith and the gift that God has given to me to be a dentist,” said Dr. Suh, an endodontist.
Dr. Suh volunteers several hours a week at Smile Unto Him on top of her private practice, Radix Endodontics in Upland.
In order to qualify, patients need to show proof of their military service or proof of being uninsured, can’t afford out of pocket fees and have an income that’s within the federal poverty level.
Dr. Suh said her team needs help. She is hoping dentists and dental staff from Riverside County will help by volunteering at the clinic so they can help even more patients.
“Why don’t the amazing that our own dentists from Riverside community come help their neighbors, underserved neighbors and forgotten neighbors and sometimes our heroes, too? The veterans are heroes who fought for us so we enjoy this freedom. We have this life because of their service,” said Dr. Suh.
The experienced endodontist said treating patients like Melinda Tsai is important, but it’s also important for her team to let patients know that they matter and there are people out there like the volunteers at Smile Unto Him who care for them.
Smile Unto Him is located on 6611 Arlington Avenue in Riverside. Potential patients or experienced dental staffers interested in volunteering can get more information at (951) 977-9415 or visit their website here.