For individuals facing the challenges of homelessness, the journey toward stability and dignity can be filled with obstacles. Among these hurdles is the often-overlooked necessity for dental care, which plays a crucial role in their overall well-being.

Research highlights that adults experiencing homelessness have dental health issues at a significantly higher rate than the broader community. A study conducted in 2020 revealed that 57.4% of adults in this demographic were missing at least half of their teeth, and 54.6% reported experiencing oral pain within the previous six months.

The consequences of dental neglect extend beyond discomfort; they can impact one's ability to enjoy solid food and contribute to chronic health problems, while also creating barriers to employment opportunities.

In response to this pressing need, Father Joe’s Villages in San Diego, California, opened a dedicated dental clinic within its Village Health Center in 1987. This initiative has positively affected the lives of thousands, with approximately 4,000 patients receiving care in 2024 alone, including over 800 individuals benefiting from dental services.

The dedicated team of dentists at this clinic is committed to restoring smiles and confidence, empowering individuals to pursue employment and stable housing. As stated in a press release, “They restore smiles, dignity and self-confidence through dental care, which gives folks the confidence to find employment, housing and self-sufficiency.”

Now, with the support of a generous $150,000 grant from the Delta Dental Community Care Foundation, Father Joe’s Villages will be able to extend its reach even further. This funding will ensure that more low-income and homeless individuals receive the dental care they so desperately need.

Dr. Megan Partch, Chief Health Officer at Father Joe’s Villages, expressed her enthusiasm for the grant, stating, “This grant represents an extraordinary step in our efforts to provide dental care for our most vulnerable communities. Because of the support of organizations like Delta Dental, we can provide quality dental care for those who otherwise may not be able to afford it.”

The Delta Dental Community Care Foundation has made significant contributions to improving access to dental care and oral health education across multiple states since its inception. The timing of this grant aligns perfectly with the growing need for dental services amid rising homelessness, allowing Father Joe’s Villages to enhance its efforts in providing affordable care.

With the new funding, Father Joe’s Villages anticipates that 145 additional community members will access dental services, including at least 52 new patients receiving dentures—a remarkable 30% increase from their previous annual goal. In total, 203 appointments will be allocated to ensure thorough assessments, impressions, and fittings for dentures, representing a 27% rise in visits to the dental clinic.

The clinic will continue to offer a wide array of dental services, including cleanings, fillings, crowns, root canals, extractions, and both partial and complete dentures. Convenient walk-in appointments and same-day care for emergencies will also be available.

Aside from dental care, Father Joe’s Villages provides a comprehensive range of services, including healthcare, substance use disorder treatment, job training, community building, and housing for over 2,500 individuals each night in San Diego.

For those who benefit from the free dental services, the impact is invaluable. One dentist at the clinic beautifully described the transformation that occurs: “One of the most remarkable events that we see in creating a beautiful smile for our patients is the production of hope. Hope that things will get better for them, hope that they now have a chance to do something with their life, hope that maybe their life can have meaning. That’s the true miracle that occurs in the dental clinic.”

For many clients, receiving dental care is a life-changing experience. One grateful recipient shared, “I am so grateful for the clinic. I don't feel self-conscious anymore, and I am excited to start my own business with a perfect smile.”

Father Joe’s Villages continues to be a beacon of hope, showing that with compassion and support, lives can be transformed through the power of a smile.