In the heart of the Tri-County, North Charleston Dental Outreach (NCDO) serves as a beacon of hope for those in need of essential dental care. This nonprofit clinic is dedicated to assisting ALICE® individuals and families—Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed—by providing vital dental services that many would otherwise be unable to afford. Through the invaluable support of United For ALICE® data from Trident United Way, NCDO has significantly improved its ability to assess patient needs and ensure that financial barriers do not prevent access to necessary treatments.
NCDO recognizes that many patients may have dental insurance yet still struggle to afford care. Director of Operations and Development at NCDO Elijah Melendez shares, “We hear from patients who are grateful for our services because they’ve visited other clinics only to find they either earn too much to qualify for assistance or can’t afford dental care after paying for basic necessities like groceries and rent. Using the ALICE data to determine eligibility has been a game changer for us; it allows our patients to finally find a place where they can receive help.”
The insights provided by United for ALICE data enable NCDO to effectively determine eligibility for its services, allowing them to offer services to the full range of community members in need of financial support. “This data has transformed how we connect with individuals who may not realize they qualify for assistance,” explains Melendez. “It helps us identify and support those who are struggling, ensuring they receive the dental care they need.”
NCDO works closely with Trident United Way’s SafetyNet Assistance Network, which provides a platform for local nonprofit organizations share the community resources they offer and network with one another to build cross-functional support systems through referrals to members of the community. “Many of our patients are referred to us through 2-1-1 or other community partnerships within the SafetyNet Network,” Melendez said. “When they arrive, we conduct exams and take X-rays and we also ask important follow-up questions. If a patient comes in without dental insurance, we inquire about their basic needs: Do you know where your next meal is coming from? Do you have transportation to your appointments? Do you have a bed to sleep in tonight? These questions help us connect them with resources that can address their broader needs.”
The collaboration with Trident United Way and the SafetyNet Assistance Network extends beyond dental services, fostering a holistic community of support. “The SafetyNet Network gets us out of our usual health and wellness bubble,” Melendez explains. “It allows us to meet individuals and organizations outside of our typical connections, creating partnerships that enable us to address the broader needs of our community. We’re not just helping with dental issues; we’re contributing to improving lives overall.”
As NCDO continues its mission, their partnership with Trident United Way serves as a crucial foundation for transforming lives. Through data, compassion and commitment, North Charleston Dental Outreach is not only filling cavities but also bridging gaps in healthcare access.
In a community where dental health is often overlooked, NCDO stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and understanding. For those interested in supporting this vital initiative, consider donating to Trident United Way or North Charleston Dental Outreach. Together, we can ensure that no one has to choose between a healthy smile and financial security.