At 67 years old, Tonie Sanders is enjoying the rhythm of retirement and again learning what it means to lead with a smile. Tonie has proudly lived in the District all his life — just a block and a half from Community of Hope, where he has received health care for the past five years.
It was around his introduction to Community of Hope, that Tonie decided that he wanted to care for himself in a new way–a more holistic way. Each morning, Tonie starts his day with a walk up the hill to get his body moving.
“I’ve always been in decent health,” he said, “but things could always be better. Taking care of your smile is part of that.” Before coming to Community of Hope’s dental clinic, Tonie had lived with missing teeth for years. “It held back my smile,” he admitted. “I had teeth missing, a partial on the bottom, and nothing on top.” Like so many seniors, he quietly adapted by learning to hide his smile in photos and avoid long conversations in public. He even learned to push through meals with discomfort.
Then he discovered he learned about a Community of Hope program that offers free dental care for senior citizens.
“I honestly thought it wouldn’t really be free, or I would get an unexpected bill, but it was exactly what I needed to get my smile back,” says Tonie.
With the support of the dental team, Tonie received new dentures, a full set on top and a partial below. With a quiet smile Tonie says, “Now, I feel more like myself again.”
What stands out most to Tonie about his experience in getting his dental care, wasn’t just the care itself — it was the people. “When I come in, I’m greeted like family. Everybody is cheerful and warm. It makes a big difference.” That sense of welcome helped ease his nerves and built the trust he needed to follow through with his treatment.
Tonie now encourages others not to let fear or shame keep them from getting the dental care they deserve. “There’s nothing to be nervous about,” he said. “It’ll help your appearance, your confidence. A lot of people with missing teeth deal with low self-esteem. This program helps bring that back.”
Now, when Tonie walks up that hill in the morning, he does it with a little more confidence, a little more pride — and a full, healthy smile to match!
To everyone who makes compassionate care like this dental care for seniors possible Tonie offers a warm thanks. “I appreciate everything y’all do — everything you’ve contributed to the dental program and to our community. Without your help, folks like me wouldn’t have these opportunities.”
