A dental worker takes the blood pressure of a woman at the dentist office
Dentists at the South Main Clinic provide dental work free of charge for refugees referred by the IRC in Salt Lake City.
Photo: James Roh

Anybody who has experienced a painful cavity can attest to how important dental health is, but did you know that orthopedic and cardiovascular surgeries need to be cleared by dentists? Our smiles play a big role in our health. That’s why the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Salt Lake City partners with the University of Utah South Main Clinic to access free dental care for newly arrived refugees.

As the health empowerment coordinator, Hannah Parrish often hears about the difficult decisions people make when it comes to their dental health. Most insurance, including Medicaid, does not cover dental work which can make taking care of your teeth an expensive investment. If somebody needs a root canal, the cost can be in the thousands. “It blows my mind,” Hannah shares, noting that families are faced with the hard decision of maintaining their dental health or purchasing other necessities, like a vehicle for reliable transportation. 

A man, wearing protective eye goggles and a paper bib, smiles at the camera from the dentist's chair
Dental care usually is not covered by most insurance available to newly-arrived refugees, making the care available at the South Main Clinic invaluable.
Photo: James Roh

The fact that the South Main Clinic provides free care is what Hannah describes as a “miracle.” The dentists who treat refugees and other low-income individuals in Salt Lake City are often resident students further along in their education. The clinic can choose low-income communities to serve, which included providing care for refugees served by the IRC twice a month. This semester, the clinic acknowledged the critical need for expanded dental care. Now, they serve refugees every week. 

To prepare for their visit, patients need to test negative for the COVID-19 virus within the three days prior to their appointment. Balancing the narrow window where they can get tested and their scheduled time at the clinic takes precise coordination. Hannah works carefully to ensure that everything happens on schedule while prioritizing safety. 

A dentist worker, holding a tablet is conversing with a man sitting on a chair in the dentist's office, who is pointing at his mouth
Dentists provide service for refugees with painful dental problems, impacting their overall well-being.
Photo: James Roh

Patients referred by the IRC are able to visit multiple times to meet all of their needs but can also receive “a whole bunch of treatment at one time,” as Hannah says. The dentists at the University of Utah clinic provide excellent service, even working to ensure their newest patience are familiar with the tools and instruments they use, such as the x-ray machine. 

“They’re very grateful,” Hannah says of patients who visit the clinic. The IRC in Salt Lake City is also grateful to the amazing partners who are committed to welcoming refugees into Utah and offering vital services free of charge, like the South Main Clinic. 

Have a sweet tooth? Spice Kitchen Incubator is cooking up some special food boxes in celebration of Valentine’s Dayl. Learn more about these delicious treats here!