When the Spodak Dental Group team learned about one patient’s heartbreaking story and the reason behind her broken and bruised smile, they jumped at the opportunity to help. Keeping with their core value of taking the very best care of their patients and community members, the team provided free dental care to a local domestic abuse survivor who is working to regain her life and her smile.
After the Lantana woman was knocked to the ground from her abusive partner of five years, she found herself with broken front teeth and a bloodied and bruised smile. In an effort to help her transform from victim to victor, the team surprised the woman with free care to restore her smile.
“My sincere hope is that her confidence and her strength, sends a message to someone at home who is in an abusive relationship to not take it anymore,” said Dr. Craig Spodak, general dentist at the Spodak Dental Group. “To take care of their family and leave a relationship like that.”
The 32-year-old, who wants to be identified as Jane, is rebuilding her life and is using her experience to help others realize they can live a life they’re proud of and deserve.
“I knew his behavior was wrong. I knew the situation was wrong. I was trying to get out of it, but they trap you,” she said. “He punched me in the face and knocked me cold to the ground. Thankfully, I’ve never seen his face again.”
In this season of giving, dentists at the Spodak Dental Group in Delray Beach jumped at the opportunity to help her turn tragedy to triumph. One of the team’s core values is to be the change they wish to see in the world, so there was no hesitation when they met Jane and heard her story. For them, helping to boost her self-esteem and sense of self-worth with a restored smile at no cost was an easy decision.
“I have a great view on life. I am so happy right now, I never felt happier to be free. I won’t let this define me in anyway shape or form,” Jane said. “I had no idea of the resources that were out there.”
Resources that included a compassionate team of dentists and dental professionals at the Spodak Dental Group. With the help of everyone involved, Jane can confidently smile again, and move forward living her best life.
There are several resources available in Palm Beach County, including Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse (AVDA). People who are experiencing abuse are encouraged to call or text AVDA’s 24-Hour Crisis Hotline at 1-800-355-8547.
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