June 5, 2025. By Davarion David.

As people with a vested interest in public health, we take pride in being caring, forward thinking and community driven. We talk about equity, progress, and taking care of each other. But one group that often gets overlooked in these conversations is our neighbors without stable housing. For people living in shelters, in their cars, or outside, basic health care is already hard to get. Dental care is even harder.

When someone is trying to find a safe place to sleep, get in line early enough for a meal, or figure out where they can shower that day, going to the dentist is not a realistic priority. Even if someone wants care, they may not have a way to get to the clinic, time to sit in a waiting room, or know what services are available. But oral health is more than just clean teeth. It affects the ability to eat, speak, and feel confident. It also connects to overall health. Problems like gum disease can make other conditions like diabetes harder to manage. Infections in the mouth can spread to the rest of the body. Poor oral health leads to real suffering.

We have an opportunity in Durham to do something about this. Instead of expecting people to navigate a complicated system, we can bring care directly to them. Local shelters, drop-in centers, and outreach programs can be places where dental care is offered in a simple, respectful way. A mobile dental day once or twice a month could include cleanings, checkups, and basic treatment. These events could also include short talks or one-on-one conversations about how taking care of your mouth helps take care of your whole body.

Transportation help would also make a difference. Not everyone can afford a bus ticket or walk long distances to get to a clinic. With support from the city, local health organizations, and nonprofits, we could offer free ride programs, shuttle services, or even gas cards for patients. These small efforts would make dental care more reachable for people who need it.

This work will take teamwork. City leaders, health departments, community clinics, and shelters can all play a part. Members of the UNC Dental school can get involved too. The goal is not just to fix emergencies. It is to build lasting trust and improve lives in a way that supports the whole community.

When we invest in prevention and outreach now, we reduce suffering later. We create a Durham that truly reflects our values. Everyone deserves care, no matter where they sleep at night. A healthy community includes everyone. Let’s make sure our actions match that belief.

Davarion David

2024-25 Delta Dental Schweitzer Fellow

UNC School of Dentistry, Class of 2026