Give New Utahns a Smile

Held in coordination with Catholic Community Services for refugees to the state of Utah to come to Roseman CODM for free dental work.

Event details will be posted soon.

Why is this event important?

More than 60,000 refugees from a variety of countries now call Utah home.  During periods of displacement, relocation, and adaptation, refugees are often forced to prioritize other immediate needs – such as food, shelter, and safety – before addressing oral health concerns.  Refugee populations have consistently been shown to have worse oral health even when compared to traditionally disadvantaged and underserved populations in their host country. As a result of a lack of oral health care refugees suffer pain, stress, and negative self-perception. When refugees are placed in cultures which highly value the cosmetic appearance of teeth, poor dentition can carry a strong social stigma, decreasing chances of employability and creating social challenges for children in school. Frequently missing work because of emergency dental treatment needs could result in employment termination and educational opportunities can be affected.