Ms. G. is a 52-year-old single female with neurofibromatosis, which causes extremely painful tumors to grow on nerves and produces other abnormalities such as bone deformations. Because of her condition, Ms. G. has been unable to work since she was 27-years-old.  “I worked as a DJ in a nightclub.  It was my dream job and it was so painful to leave it.  I have not been able to work since that time.” 

She has undergone numerous surgeries to remove her tumors, but they consistently grow back.  She typically has between 50 and 70 pounds of tumors in her body, and takes morphine daily to control her pain.  Tumors in Ms. G’s face caused her teeth to misalign; she endured a great deal of pain and difficulty eating.  Most of her teeth were severely decayed, may rotted to the roots. Ms. G. receives Medicaid, but it only covers basic dental care didn’t come close to remedying her problems.  She turned to DDS for help. 

Dr. F volunteered to treat Ms. G and commented on what a sincere pleasure it was to treat her, “Ms. G. is a very special person.  Even though her life is very difficult, her positive attitude is contagious.  While we treated her, she really treated us.”  

Ms. G. was thrilled with the relationship between her, Dr. F. and his staff; “We were always laughing and having fun during my appointments.  I owe them a lot.  I still send the staff thank you cards.  Before what Dr. F did for me, I never showed my teeth when she smiled.  I cried when I first got my teeth because I felt beautiful…I’m not shy about smiling anymore.  So many people have beautiful smiles and guess what..., now I do, too.”

Dr. F continued, “After Ms. G’s dental work, she said that it was the first time she could smile for years.  She is such an expressive person, it really makes a difference.”

Ms. G. stated that dentists who volunteer through DDS make a huge difference in the lives of the patients.  She urged dentists to, “Just try it.  You will receive the biggest smile and the biggest thank you.”