Problem

About 20% of families in Travis County are classified as “working poor”. Many do not qualify for government-assisted health care, but nor are they financially secure enough to afford essential medical services, including dental care. In fact, Texas is 48th nationally among those who have access to dental care. Therefore, Manos de Cristo Dental Clinic’s services are invaluable. Since 1990, the Dental Clinic has provided tens of thousands of appointments to Austin’s working poor.

The Gift

Your gift will subsidize the cost of an office visit for a dental patient. The Manos de Cristo Dental Clinic is currently the only low-fee, full-service dental clinic in Austin. In 2005, the clinic provided more than 9,000 appointments and $1,550,000 in free dental services to Austin’s working poor. In addition to emergency care to people in pain, Manos offers a full range of restorative care, such as fillings, crowns, partials and periodontal treatment, as well as preventative care, including exams, x-rays, sealants, and regular cleanings. These services help children stay focused in school, help parents stay at work, help seniors eat well and avoid infection, and keep urgent needs from becoming family crises.