The Backstory: From Trauma to Triumph
Most people know they should brush and floss every day, and avoid too much candy or sugary snacks. For many middle- and low-income families, that was the extent of their dental care. In the past, dental care was seen as a luxury, separate from regular medicine, and mostly available to the wealthy. For decades, it was considered non-essential, with earlier care limited to costly, basic tooth replacements or painful extractions (Simon). In recent years, oral health care and education have become more accessible and affordable, especially for those in underserved communities. Brushing and avoiding sugar alone are not enough to sustain healthy teeth and gums. Regular dental cleanings and check-ups are essential to optimal oral health.
Growing up, I wasn't fortunate enough to see a dentist regularly. Surprisingly, I never had a cavity. Still, the absence of regular cleanings and orthodontic care led to poor dentition and gum disease. Throughout my youth, I experienced bullying and ridicule. By the time I graduated high school, I had several crooked teeth, including a half-inch diastema (gap) between my central incisors. Compounding the issue, I began smoking cigarettes shortly thereafter. By age 25, my anterior teeth were loose and mobile due to chronic periodontal disease, further affecting my personal appearance and self-esteem. As a result, I often avoided social gatherings and covered my smile whenever I laughed. I have even been denied job opportunities as a receptionist and bank teller. 
Social isolation, financial instability, and escaping domestic abuse dragged me into a deep state of depression. I had lost my way, and finding solutions felt difficult until I changed my mindset. My core belief in The Most High (GOD) made me whole again. He reminded me that I was not a victim of my circumstances. It was time to stop blaming the past. Determined to turn my life around, the first step was to quit smoking. One of the best decisions of my life.
In 2011, I seized the opportunity to reclaim my future, one determined step at a time. Together, with my mother's support, I was finally able to afford the dental treatment I so desperately needed. It meant so much to have her by my side during this process.
It would not have been possible without my mother's support and the compassionate dental team who helped me face my fears and rise above my challenges. When I walked into that office, I hoped for a simple cleaning and braces, but life had bigger lessons in store. During my consultation, the dental assistant gently revealed that several of my teeth were beyond saving. My heart sank as the reality of my situation began to settle in. Yet, in that moment,
The dentist later explained that to restore my oral health, appearance, and functionality, I needed immediate periodontal treatment, the removal of decayed front teeth, and partial prostheses. No matter how delicately the news was delivered, the harsh reality was overwhelming. Losing half my teeth before 30 was a difficult truth to confront. Yet, this experience became both heartbreaking and empowering.
The team at Richmond Smile Center supported me through every step of my treatment. Their expertise, along with the encouragement from my loved ones, profoundly impacted my life. In the end, I gained so much more than I lost. My new smile transformed my “bad teeth” into a representation of love and confidence. For the first time in years, I looked in the mirror and saw my true beauty. I felt like a butterfly, renewed with a bright future ahead of me.
As I continued with routine visits, I grew increasingly fascinated by the professionalism and teamwork involved in dentistry. Likewise, I wanted to help others who, like me, feared smiling. I wondered if my story could inspire someone else's journey. Lying in the dental chair one day, I realized I wanted to have an active role in helping others overcome the challenges of poor oral health, as I did.
Soon after, I found an ADA/CODA-accredited dental assisting program at my local community college. In 2013, I graduated with honors and earned certifications in Dental Assisting and Oral Radiology/Practicum. In just five years, I was elected chapter president of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, studied abroad in Paris, graduated with consecutive degrees, and met the love of my life. Throughout my dental career, I focused on serving and educating children and families on the importance of oral hygiene and the transformative power of a healthy smile.
Citations:
Simon, Lisa. “Overcoming Historical Separation between Oral and General Health Care: Interprofessional Collaboration for Promoting Health Equity.” AMA Journal of Ethics, vol. 18, no. 9, 2016, pp. 941–949, doi:10.1001/journalofethics.2016.18.9.pfor1-1609.
