Earline and Frank’s story is one of hope and healing, demonstrating how their unwavering love and care for each other, along with the kindness of others, transformed their lives. Married in 1995, they describe each other as their one true love. These past couple of years, Earline and Frank have faced many hardships together, including health problems, financial struggles, and trials of life. Despite the challenges, they enjoy spending time with each other, laughing together and striving to make the best of their situation.
Recently, the couple found themselves struggling with a problem many face: inaccessible dental care. For Frank, 88, and Earline, 73, the need for extensive dental treatment felt overwhelming. But their love, combined with the generosity of Dr. Luke Eliopoulos, a Dental Lifeline Network’s Donated Dental Services (DDS) program volunteer, would ultimately lead them to a brighter future.
A Shared Journey Through Donated Dental Services
Driven by a desire to improve her husband’s quality of life, Earline sought dental assistance for Frank and discovered the DDS program, beginning their shared journey. A military veteran, Frank struggles with a variety of health problems including high blood pressure, pulmonary arterial disease, and cardiomyopathy, which weakens his heart’s ability to pump blood. Frank has also undergone hip replacement surgery and melanoma removal. Most of his dental work dates back to his time in the military in the1960s, and although he saw a dentist in 2019, he could not afford the recommended treatment plan. Frank had only five upper teeth and seven lower teeth remaining when he came to the DDS program for help. Many fillings had fallen out on those teeth over time, and he was unable to chew on the right side of his mouth, making eating painful and difficult. Living off his and Earline’s limited supplemental security income, the dental care he needed seemed just out of reach.
Thankfully, Frank found relief when Dr. Luke Eliopoulos, a volunteer dentist, stepped in to provide care! Working with a volunteer lab, Dr. Eliopoulos provided Frank with extensive treatment, including surgical procedures and 12 crown and bridge units. This generous act of service gave Frank a renewed hope and a healthy and pain-free smile!
About halfway through Frank’s treatment, Earline discovered that she too could apply for help through the DDS program. Struggling with type 2 diabetes, neuropathy in her legs, osteoporosis, and other health problems, she faced the additional challenge of her deteriorating dental health. When Earline came to the DDS program, she had not been to the dentist since 2019, and many of her teeth were broken, missing, or had cavities. She previously had a five-unit bridge on the top of her mouth, and all but one unit fell out – leaving only six upper teeth and 13 lower teeth in her mouth. Like Frank, Earline’s oral health left her in constant pain. She longed for a healthy smile and the simple pleasure of eating comfortably again.
Dr. Eliopoulos, deeply moved by the couple’s circumstances, was eager to extend his care to Earline as well, happy to help both her and Frank at the same time! He immediately began treatment for Earline, extracting six teeth and working with a volunteer lab to provide two sets of upper dentures, restoring her dental health and easing her pain. Dr. Eliopoulos’s generosity transformed Frank and Earline’s lives, giving them back their smiles, their comfort, and their oral health!
The DDS Program’s Impact on Frank and Earline
Earline expressed that receiving care alongside her husband through the DDS program was a great adventure and made its impact more meaningful. Even now, Earline catches Frank grinning at himself in the mirror because he likes how his teeth look, and the couple is once again able to enjoy going on dates to their favorite restaurants and eating more of their favorite foods.
“We both are healthier now because of our teeth and the treatment we received,” said Earline, reflecting on her and Frank’s treatment. “Your teeth can really affect your health – you find yourself not eating the right kinds of foods because you find it irritating. Now, I love my cucumbers.”
Volunteer Spotlight: Dr. Luke Eliopoulos
Despite being a relatively new volunteer, Dr. Luke Eliopoulos has already made a significant impact, treating three patients since he joined the DDS program in 2022. He enjoys volunteering and being able to give back to those who need it.
“Working with Frank and Earline was a wonderful experience as my first patients through Dental Lifeline Network,” said Dr. Eliopoulos. “Both of them desired to get their chewing function back, and I was happy to give my services back to members of my community who I knew would benefit the most. It was an added bonus that they were such a delight to work on. I highly recommend this pathway to community service for any dentist looking to give back.”
Dr. Eliopoulos’s dedication and compassion, like countless other DDS volunteers, make stories like Earline and Frank’s possible. DDS volunteers have the unique ability to provide care and bring hope to those who need it most, and Earline and Frank’s story is a powerful example of the impact a single act of kindness can have, changing lives and restoring smiles.