All Smiles

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As they pulled their mobile dentistry unit through the gates of Rose Brooks Center, you could immediately sense something remarkable was going to happen. Eva Vlach, Rose Brooks Center’s Health Services Coordinator was all smiles, “because we know our residents have a tremendous need for dental work!”

On a sunny afternoon last fall, Pacific Dental Services Foundation’s mobile unit stopped at Rose Brooks, along with four dentists and a team of hygienists, dental assistants and Generation Smile support staff to provide full dental services for our residents. The Foundation’s Regional Manager, Melissa Lowry explains, “The bus is stocked with everything we need, including x-ray machines, to perform dentistry as if we were in the office.”

She was right, it felt like we were at the dentist! The dental crew was able to take x-rays, perform delicate dental work, and even create crowns in their mobile lab. In all, 25 residents received cleanings, periodontal root scaling, root canals, crowns, and/or fillings depending on their needs. One woman even had two root canals, with crowns, while another had seven cavities filled.

As with any visit to the dentist, there was some anxiety. For some of the residents it was because they hadn’t had this care in so long, and they were afraid they would be told it was hopeless. For others, it was triggering past trauma of being assaulted in the face or mouth by their abuser, leaving damage. But the dentists and their team were kind and gentle with every single patient. We call that being trauma-informed!

Later the patients reported being grateful for the service and glad they had attended. One said, “It’s going to feel great not putting my hand over my mouth every time I smile or laugh.” Then another woman said, “This is a really big day for me. Ten years of not smiling is a long time.”

We are thankful for Pacific Dental Services Foundation and their amazing Generation Smile staff. Because of them, we can’t stop smiling.

Rose Brooks Is Here

Rose Brooks Center

Rose Brooks Center is about saving lives. Read letters from the CEO, stories about featured programs, and more here.

Bridge Program

Serving patients experiencing domestic violence in the safety of local hospitals and clinics.

Children's Programs

Offering a wide variety of services to support the emotional and physical well-being of children who are healing from domestic violence.

Community Training

Since 2001, Rose Brooks Center has been providing quality domestic violence education to the Kansas City community and beyond.

Court Advocacy

Advocating for and guiding survivors through complex court systems.

Economic Empowerment

Helping survivors repair the effects of economic abuse through credit repair, budgeting, and education.

Emergency Shelter

Providing a safe sanctuary where individuals, families, and pets are welcomed, wrapped in support, and can begin to heal.

Employment Advocacy

Employment Advocacy includes developing job interview skills, job search, and ongoing support to survivors in maintaining employment.

Hotline

Providing confidential support, information, individual safety planning, resources, and more. The 24-hour Hotline is 816-861-6100.

Housing

Helping survivors find safe, affordable housing and gain economic stability within a safe home, free from violence.

Onsite Clinic

On-site medical and healthcare services within the safety of emergency shelter.

Pet Shelter

An on-site state-of-the art pet shelter for dogs, cats, and other family pets.

Police Advocacy

Providing advocacy services for victims of domestic violence and education for officers to improve victims safety.

Project SAFE

A school-based violence prevention program working to end the cycle of domestic violence by providing support to youth dealing with violence at home or communities.

Volunteer

Stories about our incredible volunteers and the work they do to support our mission.