Restoring Smiles

Swedish Hospital’s Dental Clinic was established by the Swedish Hospital Foundation in 2017 to help uninsured and low-income patients who came to the Emergency Room looking for dental relief. Since the creation of the clinic we have provided dental services to more than 63 patients.

Before the establishment of the Swedish Dental Clinic, patients coming to the Emergency Room with paintful dental conditions had nowhere to turn. While dental care is often regarded as low priority in the medical care of these individuals, it is essential for regaining their self-worth.

“Caring for the oral and dental needs of our patients extends beyond simply fixing a tooth, treating an oral condition or mending a person’s mouth after injury is sustained. The Swedish Dental Clinic also attends to the emotional, mental and psychological needs of the dental patient. An individual’s appearance can have tremendous effects on self-esteem and confidence.”
— Dr. John Laftsidis, Swedish Dental Clinic

Oftentimes, the absence of a smile is a serious side effect of dental trauma, neglect or domestic violence or abuse. Swedish Hospital’s Pathways Program works to recognize and respond to domestic violence, human trafficking and sexual assault. Through Pathways we identify survivors who are in dire need of dental care and provide them with no-cost, comprehensive dental services from the Swedish Dental Clinic to help alleviate pain, treat injuries, prepare patients for entering the job force, and improve oral health quality of life. Dental services include assessments, routine cleanings, fillings, x-rays, extractions, root canals, crowns and removable prosthetics. Pathways staff and partner agencies have also trained dental clinic staff in providing trauma-informed care and handling the sensitivity of these cases.

Restoring Smiles provides free, life-changing dental services and is made possible by generous donations to Swedish Hospital Foundation. Every dollar makes a difference.

Read more articles about Dental Services.

For more information about donating to Swedish Hospital, contact the Foundation at (773) 293-5121 or schfoundation@schosp.org.

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2020 Statistics

  • Since 2017, 69 underserved patients have received free dental care

  • 6 root canals, 6 crowns, 31 exams, 24 extractions, 10 fillings and 2 dentures have been provided to patients at no cost in 2020

  • 61 Emergency Room patients have received dental care since 2017

  • 31 survivors of human trafficking and domestic violence have been provided with comprehensive, no-cost dental services