Cass Dental Clinic For The Homeless
230 South 12th Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85007
602-256-6945 x 3125

Email your testimonial to: kvolcheck@cass-az.org


"Today I had an appointment at the dental clinic. I've been looking forward to it all week! Is that Weird? To actually WANT to go to the dentist? Well... let me tell you why. Because for me, to finally have the opportunity to have my teeth taken care of is a privilege. I know I'm lucky to be here. Andy I have to tell you a secret... Since I've been coming here, I thought I was the clinic's "favorite patient." Everyone here is so nice to me. They smile at me and call me by my name. Then yesterday, while sitting in the waiting room, I noticed, the staff treats EVERYONE this way! Each person is made to feel special and welcomed. The staff must realize, that for many of us, we are invisible to this world. Because we are homeless, or drug-addicted or abused, people turn away from us, don't want to deal with us, would rather pretend we don't exist. But here at CASS I'm just Denise. Yesterday, while sitting in the dentist chair I heard the founder of the clinic talking with my volunteer dentist. He was telling him to "take good care of me, to give me the same kind of treatment he'd give to a patient in his private practice"... Can you believe that?? Someone believes I'm worthy of the BEST! Most of us who come here are used to getting seconds; we wear used clothes, we eat day old bread, we get peoples leftovers. And believe me, we're happy to have them. But what an unimaginable gift to receive "top of the line", very best. That's the way I feel when I come to CASS. I now work at a mental health clinic as a peer support specialist. As someone who's struggled for years from depression and panic attacks, I now have the opportunity to offer hope and encouragement to others who suffer from mental illness. I keep what I have by giving it away. I think that's how the staff here at the dental clinic must feel. To share your time and talents with people who cannot repay you in dollars and cents leaves you open to receiving the greater reward, that good feeling you get inside your soul when you know you've truly made a difference in someone's life. And so, for all you who are dentists looking for a way to give back, come to CASS and be a part of divine reciprocity - giving feels good! Love always, Denise"