Dental Clinic

The JC Lewis Health Center Dental Clinic is a volunteer powered dental clinic that provides free dental care to the Savannah area's homeless population.

Homeless persons are 12 times more likely than individuals with stable housing to have dental problems, and their problems are more severe.

Only 53 percent of homeless individuals who have no teeth have a set of dentures.

Over 80 percent of homeless persons have not had their teeth cleaned in the previous 4 - 5 years.

Over 95 percent of homeless children 5-9 years old need dental care with 45 percent of those children experiencing pain or infection.

Through a network of 12 emergency shelters and programs to help the homeless, Union Mission and its partners have reduced the area's homeless by 45 percent since 1992. Support given by members of the Savannah Dental community has been instrumental in achieving this reduction.

"A compelling smile illuminates your face and quietly says, 'I care about myself.  I like who I am'....(and it) can open doors and knock down barriers that stand between you and a fuller life." - Dr. Ronald Goldstein, Author, "Changing Your Smile"

The JC Lewis Health Center Dental Clinic will be undergoing further expansion in 2005. Plans are to create a four chair dental wing in the recently acquired property adjacent to our present facility located on Fahm Street. Future plans include ongoing full rotation of Dental Hygiene students from Armstrong Atlantic University and Dental Assisting students from Savannah Technical College who also participate in the ongoing student fundraiser "Give a Smile" where the funds raised provide partials and dentures for homeless who otherwise would go without.

Since September 2000, 1,308 homeless persons have received oral health care during 3,885 dental clinic visits. Over 12,500 dental procedures have been performed during 471 clinic sessions.

The time, talent, and skill of over 95 volunteer dental professionals has made a difference in the lives of many. Dental volunteers provided preventive, restorative, surgical and prosthetic services to those who otherwise, would not have received these life changing oral health services.

Quotes: "I am not ashamed anymore to look someone directly in the face." - Ramer

"I was too ashamed and insecure to smile or look people in the eye. Now I don't feel bad when I look at myself in the mirror. I feel good. I look great!" - Donna

"I hadn't smiled in ten years my self esteem was so low. Now I am comfortable around people and can laugh and smile. I have a much more positive attitude about life." - John

John woke up in his hospital bed at Memorial and looked directly into the face of his son standing over him. The doctor explained if he didn't quit drinking, he wouldn't live long. From there John went to Coastal Harbor and then to a 28 day Gateway program in Darien. In November 2002, John returned to Savannah and began living at Union Mission's Potter's Place group home. He also started working part-time.

John was referred to the JCL Dental Clinic in March of 2003. He was in need of extensive dentistry to correct years of neglect. Dental volunteers Dr. Stephanie Skinner, Dr. Frank Scarbrough, dental hygienist Lynn Sawinski along with numerous volunteer dental assistants worked to improve John's oral health and restore his smile. John is not only enjoying his new smile, he is now encouraging others to smile as well.

Contact Information

Ellen Sowers,
Dental Clinic Coordinator

Office: (912) 495-8887
Fax: (912) 495-8881
Email: esowers@unionmission.org

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