Smiles to Stability

Dental Care that Restores Health, Hope, and Dignity

For many people in our community, dental care is not only difficult to afford, it can be nearly impossible to access. Without dental insurance, reliable transportation, stable housing, or the flexibility to take time away from work, a routine cleaning or filling is often postponed.

The Heart Ministry Center’s Monen Healthcare Clinic sees dental care as an important part of helping community members move forward through improved health. The Monen Clinic offers a low-barrier place where patients can receive urgent and preventive dental care while also connecting with health care and resources that support other parts of their lives.

“Our clinic provides absolutely critical healthcare to community members who may not otherwise get it,” said Chief Operating Officer, Amy Holmes. “The need has been consistently high. For many people, there are simply no options to get dental care.”

The Cost of Waiting

“Throughout my years in dentistry, I’ve seen how many people go without care because they can’t afford it or don’t know where to turn,” said Jamia Smith, Monen Healthcare Clinic’s dental assistant. “By the time they come to the Monen Healthcare Clinic, what may have started as a small cavity has become severe pain, infection, or teeth that can no longer be saved.”

Oral health is closely connected to overall health. Gum disease and infection can contribute to serious health concerns, while tooth loss can affect a person’s ability to eat a nutritious diet.

“Dental care can catch things early and take care of minor issues before they become problems,” said Conor Berigan, healthcare director. “Bacteria from gum disease and infection can lead to cardiac issues. Tooth loss can lead to diet and nutrition issues.”

Dental problems can also affect a person’s social and economic well-being. Pain can make it difficult to focus on work, care for children, or complete daily tasks. Missing or damaged teeth can lead people to avoid conversations because they feel self-conscious.

“I’ve seen patients struggle to interview for jobs because they’re embarrassed about their teeth or distracted by pain,” Smith said. “We aren’t just treating teeth—we’re restoring confidence, relieving pain, and giving people back hope.”

Care That Meets People Where They Are

“Our goal is to meet people where they are, without judgment, and help them take the first step toward better oral health,” Smith explains. This is how Monen Clinic’s multidisciplinary and holistic approach supports the needs of the community. In addition to addressing urgent needs, Monen Clinic provides primary care, preventive services, and connections to resources that can support long-term stability. Heart Ministry Center’s A Way Forward programming also helps community members access support related to food, housing, and employment.

“We are looking at all aspects of an individual’s life that are needed in order to ultimately be self-sufficient,”said Chief Operating Officer, Amy Holmes. By providing health care in a setting where other social needs can also be addressed, Monen Healthcare Clinic helps reduce the obstacles that can keep people from moving forward. The long-term goal is to help community members reach a point where they no longer need the services from the Monen Healthcare Clinic.

“Offering urgent and preventative health care services in addition to addressing social needs can impact overall quality of life,” Berigan said. “When we improve someone’s oral health, we can improve their confidence, ability to work, and quality of life.”