Solomon, 72, is proud of his smile – in fact, he sees it as his personal mission to bring smiles to the faces of others through works of service.
Solomon grew up in Brooklyn, New York and reports receiving adequate oral hygiene education through the school system. Now, a DC resident for 46 years, he is proud to say that with good oral hygiene and consistent dental cleanings at Community of Hope, he has had no major dental issues. He believes this a blessing because quality and affordable dental care is rare, especially for senior citizens because Medicare doesn’t cover dental care.
In April, Solomon delivered his testimonial at a DC Council Health Committee budget meeting, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that seniors have access to dental healthcare. He highlighted his experience as a participant in Community of Hope’s Senior Dental program, and shared the value the program has for him and others. He candidly expressed that seniors often have access to low-quality or unaffordable services, which he worries is due to their age. “Medicare does not cover implants which is an oral health need. Not a luxury,” says Solomon. “Keep on living, and one day you will be a senior like me… and have a need for quality and affordable dental services.”
At Community of Hope, Solomon feels like he’s found a gem that he wishes others had the chance to experience as well. Solomon and his sister both receive dental care at Community of Hope’s Marie Reed Health Center.
Solomon shares that the biggest difference between the care they receive at Community of Hope and care experienced at other dental clinics comes down to Community of Hope being mission driven. “There is a sensitivity for seniors at Community of Hope. Many places don’t have the patience that some seniors need,” says Solomon.
In partnership with DC Health, Community of Hope’s Senior Dental Program has served 324 patients since its inception in December 2018, despite a pause in 2020 due to the pandemic and budget cuts.
Oral health directly affects overall health and quality of life. Dental disease is a common cause of medical and emergency room visits, according to the American Dental Association. Medications and common chronic illnesses in older adults, such as diabetes or heart disease, put seniors at an increased risk for dental problems. These challenges affirm Solomon’s perspective on the program’s necessity.
“Community of Hope has a unique human touch,” says Solomon. “I get the sense that everyone— the receptionist, dental assistants, and dentists—are about the mission to be a community of hope and wanting to make a difference.”
Solomon is no stranger to making a difference. Solomon lives by a quote from Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman elected to the United States Congress, who said, “Service is the rent you pay for room on this earth.” Today, Solomon provides service to his community as a volunteer at the National Museum of African American History and Culture, as well as teaching classes at his church.
“I believe in giving back. Everyone can find something to give back. At the end of the day, you are providing a service, just like Community of Hope,” says Solomon.
