When Erickson Garcia first visited Cass Community Health Foundation’s safety net dental clinic, Cass County Dental Clinic, his teeth needed extensive care. The clinic enlisted the help of Valencia Endodontics in Kansas City and America’s Toothfairy to help restore his teeth in only two months. With no more cavities and no more pain, Erickson can smile again!
Erickson’s initial visit to the clinic revealed nine teeth with cavities, including a molar in need of a root canal. His family didn’t have insurance, so the clinic staff began exploring funding options for the treatment. The clinic applied for and received a grant from America’s Toothfairy to cover the cost of the root canal and permanent crown. After three follow-up appointments at Cass County Dental Clinic to receive fillings, Erickson was all set for his consultation and root canal at Valencia Endodontics, who agreed to partner with Cass County Dental Clinic to treat Erickson. He returned to the clinic for the crown, and his treatment plan was complete in 60 days.
“I feel very grateful for the help that the clinic has brought to us on something that was going to be very hard for us to do and pay for,” Fany, Erickson’s mom, said.
Cass County Dental Clinic completed Erickson’s extensive treatment plan in just two months, including the root canal referral and funding application. But the clinic remained focused on helping Erickson understand the importance of proper oral health.
“I learned that I should brush more often, eat less candy, and keep taking care of my teeth,” Erickson said. “The clinic helped my teeth, and I’m very happy.”
Without the help of Valenica Endodontics, who agreed to partner with Cass County Dental Clinic to treat Erickson, and America’s Toothfairy, the Garcias could still be searching for oral health care for Erickson.
Fany said, “Thank you to the clinic, staff, and the foundation for all the help provided to my son.”
Cass County Dental Clinic, a program of Cass Community Health Foundation, is a nonprofit clinic that provides dental services to children and adolescents from birth through age 20 who are insured through Missouri Medicaid or who are uninsured and low-income. Patients can schedule appointments Monday through Friday in Belton, Missouri as well as Tuesday and Wednesday in Harrisonville, Missouri. To learn more about the clinic, visit casscountydentalclinic.org.
