08/06/2026
"Once you’ve lost bone, it doesn’t come back.”
- Dr. Daniel Harmon, volunteer dentist at HealthLink Dental Clinic
While Mikerlange has no cavities, no dental pain and a bright smile, the X-rays during his visit tell another story: bone loss.
Although he would try to prioritize his dental care, the 35-year-old restaurant worker said he couldn’t afford regular cleanings. He also had never been taught the importance of flossing.
“Him not getting those cleanings over time was a huge issue for him because he has some bone loss,” said Dana McCafferty, who works as a part-time hygienist at HealthLink, a free dental clinic. “He has periodontal disease because of that.”
With consistent flossing and regular visits to HealthLink, the bone loss has stabilized.
“You can't get that bone back, but we can keep it at where it is,” McCafferty said. “That's our goal for him.”
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Dental care often goes on the backburner for ALICE families in attempt to make ends meet. But being unable to afford it can have lifelong consequences. As shown in a recent The Wall Street Journal article, oral health has a strong tie to other health issues.
At HealthLink, we saw firsthand the frustration of patients like Mikerlange who have lacked access to regular oral health care, as well as the commitment of the community members who are stepping up with real solutions. Click the link in the comments for our photo essay, "Paying the Price: When Dental Care is a Luxury," and uncover the stories behind the data.
