When fashion jewelry store employee, and recent Community Smile Project patient Kalee Gouff, first walked into the Hayward, California, Bright Now!® Dental office, she was in extreme pain and in need of emergency dental care. “The doctor extracted her tooth and she was really happy with how she was treated,” says Office Manager Jessica Cortez. “She said we didn’t make her feel embarrassed.”
For years, Kalee struggled with her smile. “She told me she had a hard life and that’s why her teeth were in bad shape,” recalls Jessica. And because Kalee was always uncomfortable showing her teeth, says Jessica, it made her feel self-conscious about cheerfully greeting customers at work.
That all changed after Kalee’s first visit, when Jessica and Lead Dentist Dr. Sarika Sood, nominated her for the Community Smile Project.
After receiving word Kalee had been approved for the program, Dr. Sood began her treatment plan, which included a deep cleaning, fillings, partials and crowns. At her final appointment, says Jessica, “Kalee hugged Dr. Sood and told her she changed her life.”
Now that the holiday shopping season is here, Kalee is ready to flash her newfound confidence to each and every shopper.
A sparkling new smile: The gift that keeps on giving.