affordabledental

JULIO'S STORY

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 18:28:43 GMT

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RANDALL'S STORY

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 17:59:19 GMT

Randall’s story is one of faith, service, and the quiet challenges that many who serve others carry behind the scenes.

About a year ago, Randall had a tooth prepared for a crown at his dental office. However, with ongoing health issues and the financial demands of multiple surgeries, he had to postpone the procedure. Recently, part of the tooth fractured, making treatment urgent. Hoping for a solution, Randall came to Mercy Dental Missions, where he was able to receive care through the Agape Grant Program.

Randall has spent many years in ministry and currently serves as a pastor in Sauk City. For the past 18 years, he has pastored smaller churches as a bi-vocational pastor, also driving a school bus to help support his family. While he feels called to serve others, the financial strain of repeated medical procedures—including surgeries for a shoulder injury, kidney stones, a double hernia, and ongoing treatment for polycystic liver disease—has made meeting insurance deductibles and healthcare costs a constant challenge.

Despite these difficulties, Randall’s perspective remains deeply rooted in faith. He believes that when people give to help others, they are serving the Lord. As he shares, financial assistance through programs like the Agape Grant not only meets practical needs but also “goes a long way to show the love of the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Randall often reflects on the wisdom his father, a longtime pastor, once shared with him: “In the ministry, when people want to bless you, don’t turn it away—because God wants to bless them for blessing you.”

Thanks to the generosity behind the Agape Grant Program, Randall was able to receive the care he needed during a difficult season. With gratitude he simply says, “Thank you very much, and God bless.”

His story is a reminder that caring for those who dedicate their lives to serving others is one small way love and compassion continue to ripple outward into the community.

ANCIZAR'S STORY

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 17:56:09 GMT

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RICK & DIANE'S STORY

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 17:35:52 GMT

Rick and Diane’s story is one of faith, perseverance, and the power of compassionate care.

Rick has lived with epilepsy for much of his life, but he refuses to see it as something that defines or limits him. Instead, he speaks about it with deep faith and perspective, saying, “God made me perfect in His own way, so there’s nothing wrong with having epilepsy.” His outlook is rooted in gratitude and a desire to encourage others to help where they can. As Rick shares, “If you wish to give to the ministry, look at it as God’s ministry to help others—and you’ll be a part of that help.”

Diane has faced her own challenges, living with depression and atypical psychosis. Accessing consistent dental care can be difficult, but through the Agape Grant Program , she was able to receive the care she needed. For Diane, the support she received felt like more than just treatment—it felt like an answered prayer. “If Mercy Dental Missions didn’t exist, I couldn’t take care of my teeth,” she says. “I feel like it’s been an answer to prayer.”

Through the Agape Grant Program, Rick and Diane were able to experience the compassion and care that make a real difference. Their story is a reminder that when people come together to serve others, lives are uplifted and hope is restored.

ALEJANDRA'S STORY

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 08:42:13 GMT

Alejandra went more than 10 years without seeing a dentist because dental care was something her family simply couldn’t afford. When a severe toothache left her in tears and unable to get out of bed, she realized she couldn’t continue living in pain—but finding help on her own felt overwhelming. For years, she watched others smile with confidence while quietly struggling with her own oral health and self-esteem.

Through the Agape Grant Program , Alejandra was able to receive the financial assistance and care she so desperately needed—something that once felt completely out of reach. The care she received didn’t just relieve her pain; it restored her confidence, dignity, and hope for the future.

Today, Alejandra shares her story with gratitude, knowing that access to compassionate dental care can transform lives. Her experience is a powerful reminder that when communities come together to support one another, even the most challenging barriers can be overcome.

ERIC'S STORY

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 08:13:06 GMT

Eric’s story is one of resilience, faith, and second chances. Over the years, he faced cancer not once, but 14 different times. Yet through every diagnosis, Eric never let fear take hold. Instead, he placed his trust in God and continued to move forward with remarkable strength.

Life took another unexpected turn when Eric was heading home one day and was hit by a drunk driver. The accident was devastating—he lost his leg and nearly lost his life. But Eric believes he was being watched over, and through it all, his faith never wavered.

Through our Agape Grant Program , Eric was able to receive the dental care he needed at a time when hope felt distant. What might seem like a simple act of care meant the world to him. With deep gratitude he shared,

“Thank you and God bless you. I mean, you’re making a difference in my life when I had all but given up hope.”

Eric’s story is a powerful reminder that access to compassionate dental care does more than restore smiles—it brings encouragement, dignity, and renewed hope to people who need it most.

DECEMBER NEWSLETTER

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 14:17:59 GMT

HEARTS, HANDS, AND HEALING IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 16:49:23 GMT

HEARTS, HANDS, AND HEALING IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

When our Mercy Dental Missions team boarded the plane for the Dominican Republic, we knew we were going to serve people in need. What we didn’t know was how deeply this trip would change our hearts.

Over the course of one week, our team of eleven cared for 112 patients and provided more than $50,000 worth of FREE dentistry . But the numbers only tell part of the story. Behind every tooth we filled or extracted was a person, often a child, who had been living with pain far longer than anyone should have to endure. We held their hands, wiped their tears, and prayed that through our care, they would see not just us, but the love of Christ reaching out to them.

We were humbled to partner with Kids Alive , an incredible mission that serves hundreds of children in Constanza every single day. Through their faithful work, children receive three nourishing meals, an education, school supplies, sports programs, and most importantly, the Word of God.

Fred and Cassandra O’Brien have led this ministry tirelessly for nineteen years. Their love for the people of Constanza is visible everywhere you go, from the classrooms and orphanage walls to the grocery stores, coffee shops, and local restaurants. They are extraordinary hosts and shining examples of what it looks like to live as true followers of Christ. Their hearts for service have inspired us deeply.

Regardless of your religious background, it was impossible not to see God at work each day. To witness such gratitude in the midst of such need changes a person. It reminds us that while many of us in the United States say we rely on God, we often rely on our own resources instead. In Constanza, these children and families depend on Jesus for everything, and through missions like Kids Alive and Mercy Dental Missions, He provides.

By the end of the week, we were physically exhausted. Yet, even as we unpacked our bags back home, many of us found ourselves saying, we’re ready to go back, texting little messages from trip experiences, or merely just reminiscing together about the coffee!

Visiting a place where dental care is almost nonexistent reminded us why our work here in Madison matters so much. Prevention is everything, and the more access we can provide to our neighbors, the fewer people will have to suffer in silence.

Our time in Constanza reignited our passion for our mission here and abroad: to bring hope, health, and healing wherever it is needed most. Because every restored smile is a glimpse of God’s love made visible.

JOIN US

We invite you to be part of this mission. Whether you pray, give, or go, your involvement helps us continue to reach those who are hurting—both here at home and around the world. Together, we can continue to be the hands and feet of Jesus, one smile at a time.

SEPTEMBER NEWSLETTER

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 15:35:39 GMT

JUNE NEWSLETTER

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 13:37:45 GMT

APRIL NEWSLETTER

executiveassistant@affordablesmiles.org (Krysta Wetzel) — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 16:19:58 GMT

FEBRUARY NEWSLETTER

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 20:29:15 GMT

TOOTH DECAY

Mon, 13 Mar 2023 14:03:09 GMT

WHAT IS TOOTH DECAY?

Tooth decay is the destruction of your tooth enamel, the hard, outer layer of your teeth. It can be a problem for children, teens and adults.

Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria, constantly forming on your teeth. When you eat or drink foods containing sugars, the bacteria in plaque produce acids that attack tooth enamel, leading to tooth decay.

The stickiness of the plaque keeps these acids in contact with your teeth. Over time acids will break down the enamel, causing cavities to develop.

Cavities are more common among children, but changes that occur with aging make cavities an adult problem, too.

Gums can recede with age, and less saliva is produced as you get older. Many older adults lacked the benefits of fluoride and modern preventive dental care growing up, which, combined with natural changes that happen over time, can lead to a higher rate of tooth-related conditions, like gum or periodontal disease.

Recession of the gums away from the teeth, combined with an increased incidence of gum disease, can expose tooth roots to plaque. Tooth roots are covered with cementum, a softer tissue than enamel.

This means that roots are especially susceptible to decay, and often are more sensitive to hot and cold. Because of these changes over time, it is common for people over the age of 50 to have tooth-root decay.

Decay around the edges of fillings is also common for older adults.

Over the years, these fillings may weaken and may fracture around the edges. Bacteria accumulate in these tiny crevices causing acid to build up, leading to additional decay.

You can help prevent tooth decay by following these tips:

Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
Clean between your teeth daily with floss or interdental cleaner.
Eat nutritious and balanced meals and limit snacking.
Check with your dentist about the use of supplemental fluoride, which strengthens your teeth, and about use of dental sealants (a plastic protective coating) applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (where decay often starts) to protect them from decay.
Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral examination.

(Content from The American Dental Association website)

THE IMPORTANCE OF FLOSSING

Sun, 12 Mar 2023 08:38:11 GMT

WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF FLOSSING?

Even if you brush twice a day, there are places your toothbrush bristles cannot reach. Flossing removes plaque and food particles from between the teeth and under the gum line. A simple routine of daily teeth cleaning, good eating habits and regular dental visits can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

If you have trouble handling floss, you may try a floss holder or another type of interdental cleaning aid. Interdental cleaners include narrow brushes, toothpicks or oral irrigator to remove plaque from between teeth. Your dentist or hygienist can tell you how to use these special cleaners. It may feel clumsy at first, but don't give up. It takes time to get the hang of it.

Choose products with the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance. The ADA seal on a product is your assurance that it has met ADA standards for safety and effectiveness. Look for the ADA Seal on fluoride toothpaste, toothbrushes, floss, interdental cleaners, oral irrigators and mouth rinse.

Step 1.

Break off about 18 inches of floss and wind most of it around your middle or index finger. Wind the rest of the floss around a finger of the other hand. This finger will take up the used floss.

Step 2.

Hold the floss tightly between thumb and forefinger. Guide the floss between your teeth using a gentle rubbing motion. To avoid hurting your gums, never snap the floss into gum tissue.

Step 3.

When the floss reaches the gum line, curve it into a C shape against one tooth. Gently slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth.

Step 4.

Hold the floss tightly against the tooth. Gently rub the side of the tooth, moving the floss away from the gum with up and down motions.

Step 5.

Repeat this method on the rest of your teeth. As you move from tooth to tooth, unwind the clean floss with one finger and take up the used floss with the finger on the other hand. Do not forget the back side of the last tooth.

DENTAL CROWN

Fri, 10 Mar 2023 09:30:09 GMT

WHAT IS A DENTAL CROWN?

If you want a smile that’s your crowning glory, you may need a crown to cover a tooth to help restore it to its normal shape and size. A crown can make your tooth stronger and improve its appearance.

A crown is a tooth-shaped cap placed on a tooth as a way to strengthen it. Often crowns are placed on teeth that have extensive decay , to the point where a filling is not enough to treat the decay. They are also used to protect a weak tooth from breaking or restore one that's already broken.

Crowns are also used to attach bridges, which are oral prosthetics used to mask missing teeth, and to cover teeth that are discolored or badly shaped. They are also used to cover dental implants.

If your dentist recommends a crown, it is most likely to correct one of these conditions. Your dentist’s primary concern, like yours, is helping you keep your teeth healthy and your smile bright.

CAVITIES

Thu, 09 Mar 2023 06:23:45 GMT

WHAT ARE CAVITIES?

Cavities, or tooth decay , is the destruction of your tooth enamel, the hard, outer layer of your teeth. It can be a problem for children, teens and adults.

Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria, constantly forming on your teeth. When you eat or drink foods containing sugar, the bacteria in plaque produces acids that attack tooth enamel. The stickiness of the plaque keeps these acids in contact with your teeth. Over time the enamel can break down. This is when cavities, little holes in your teeth, can form.

Cavities are more common among children, but changes that occur with aging make cavities an adult problem, too.

Recession of the gums away from the teeth, combined with an increased incidence of g u m disease , can expose tooth roots to plaque.

Tooth roots are covered with cementum, a softer tissue than enamel. They are susceptible to decay and are more sensitive to touch and to hot and cold. It’s common for people over age 50 to have tooth-root decay.

Decay around the edges of fillings is also common for older adults. Because many older adults lacked the benefits of fluoride and modern preventive dental care growing up, they often have a number of dental fillings .

Over the years, these fillings may weaken and tend to fracture and leak around the edges. Bacteria accumulate in these tiny crevices causing acid to build up which leads to decay.

You can help prevent tooth decay by following these tips:

Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
Clean between your teeth daily with floss or interdental cleaner.
Eat nutritious and balanced meals and limit snacking.
Check with your dentist about the use of supplemental fluoride, which strengthens your teeth, and about use of dental sealants (a plastic protective coating) applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (where decay often starts) to protect them from decay.
Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral examination.

PLAQUE

Wed, 08 Mar 2023 14:23:18 GMT

WHAT IS PLAQUE?

Your teeth are covered with a sticky film called plaque that can contribute to tooth decay and gum disease. Plaque contains bacteria, which following a meal or snack containing sugar, can release acids that can break down tooth enamel, eventually resulting in cavities .

Plaque that is not removed with thorough daily brushing and cleaning between teeth can eventually harden into tartar, also known as calculus. This makes it more difficult to keep your teeth clean.

When tartar collects above the gum line, the gum tissue can become swollen and may bleed easily. This is called gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease. Additionally, tartar cannot be removed by brushing and flossing alone, and must be removed by a dental hygienist.

You can prevent plaque buildup and keep your teeth cavity-free by regularly visiting the dentist, brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between your teeth with dental floss daily.

ROOT CANALS

Thu, 02 Mar 2023 06:49:19 GMT

WHAT ARE ROOT CANALS?

If you have a severely damaged, decaying tooth or one with a serious infection, your dentist may recommend a root canal treatment. Root canals are used to repair and save your tooth instead of removing it.

What’s Involved in Root Canal Repair?

The pulp is soft tissue inside your tooth that contains nerves, blood vessels and provides nourishment for your tooth. It can become infected if you have:

A deep cavity
Repeated dental procedures that disturb this tissue
A cracked or fractured tooth
Injury to the tooth (even if there’s not a visible crack or chip)

If untreated, the tissues around the root of your tooth can become infected. When this happens, you will often feel pain and swelling and an abscess may form inside the tooth and/or in the bone around the end of the root of the tooth.

An infection can also put you at risk of losing your tooth completely because bacteria can damage the bone that keeps your tooth connected to your jaw.

Can I Get This Treatment Done During My Regular Check-up Visit?

Your dentist will need to schedule a follow up appointment, or you may be referred to a dentist who specializes in the pulp and tissues surrounding the teeth. This specialist is known as an endodontist.

What Should I Expect?

A root canal treatment usually takes 1 or 2 office visits to complete. There is little to no pain because your dentist will use local anesthesia so you don’t feel the procedure. Once the procedure is complete, you should no longer feel the pain you felt before having it done.

Before treatment begins, your dentist will:

Take X-rays to get a clear view of your tooth and the surrounding bone.
Numb the area around and including your tooth so you are comfortable during the treatment.
Put a thin sheet of latex rubber over your tooth to keep it dry, clean and protected from viruses, bacteria and fungus that are normally in the mouth.

During treatment, your dentist will:

Create an opening in the top of your tooth.
Remove the tooth’s nerve from inside the tooth and in the areas in the root, known the root canal.
Clean inside the tooth and each root canal. Your dentist may treat the tooth with germ-killing medicine.
Fill the root canals with a rubber-like material to seal them against future infection.
Place a temporary filling on the tooth to protect it until a definitive restoration like a permanent filling or crown can be placed at the earliest opportunity.

After root canal treatment:

Your tooth and the surrounding area may feel sensitive for a few days. You can talk with your dentist about how to relieve any discomfort you may have.
Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics if the infection spread. Use as directed, and follow up with your dentist if you have any problems taking it.

You will need a follow-up visit after the root canal treatment. At this visit, your dentist will remove the temporary filling on the tooth and replace it with a regular filling or a crown to protect your tooth from further damage.

A metal or plastic post may also be placed in the root canal to help make sure the filling materials remain in place. This helps support a crown if you need one.

How Long Will a Root Canal Filling Last?

With proper care, your restored tooth can last a lifetime. Make it a point to brush twice a day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste, clean between your teeth once a day and see your dentist regularly to make sure your teeth are strong and healthy.