Dental Hope
Improved Schedule Gives Patients Flexible Access to
Free Care
By Amy Morgan
The old adage rings true – it’s better to give than receive. And the professionals at 7to7 Dental & Orthodontics agree and literally “put the money where the mouth is.” While they strive all year to make dental care affordable and accessible for families across the San Antonio area at their now 11 offices, for the past 12 years the practice also dedicated an entire day to providing free dental care to adults. More than 120 people 18 and older in need of teeth cleanings, fillings and extractions eagerly anticipated the day titled Dental Hope, on which 7to7’s professionals performed those services for them at no cost.
This year, rather than host Dental Hope at 7to7 Dental’s Braun Road office on just one day as usual, the practice has decided to spread the love. The free dental care for adults will be offered throughout February at 7to7 Dental’s two newest offices – Spring Branch, located at 427 Singing Oak, adjacent to Walmart, which opened in May, and the Mission Oaks office on 16350 Blanco Road that opened December first.
Rather than jostle for a position in line on one specific day, people are invited to schedule their free appointment anytime in February. They can select the date and time of their convenience using the Dental Hope tab on 7to7 Dental’s website, https://www.7to7dental.com/dental-hope.
“We decided to make Dental Hope even more accessible by doing it throughout February for those that cannot attend on a single Saturday,” said Director of Marketing, Travis DeZuba.
“Now patients can come at their scheduled time rather than wait for several hours,” echoed Mandy Dennis, RDH, who directs 7to7 Dental’s Hygiene Operations.
The new procedure will allow 60 people at each of the two offices to be served in a more relaxed manner, avoiding waiting in long lines and overloading one location on a single day. In the past, people had begun sleeping in their cars overnight to secure their spot.
“We didn't have enough space to accommodate the large turnout each year and felt awful for those who had to wait several hours outside in February. This allows them to be seen at their convenience and for us to still give back to the community,” said Co-owner Justin Coke.
Samantha Gonzales, RDH, has participated for 12 years and says Dental Hope is one of the reasons she enjoys being part of the 7to7 Dental professional family. “We touch so many people,” she said. She remembers a woman who needed a tooth extracted. The patient broke down in tears when Samantha walked her out after the procedure. She was so utterly grateful, Samantha said, because she had been in so much pain.
The Spring Branch office is managed by Sierra Anderson, RDA, who’s joined by dentist Stormy Lopez, D.D.S. Dr. Lopez graduated from dental school at UTHSC in San Antonio in 2014 and has been with 7to7 Dental for almost four years. Former dental assistant and treatment coordinator Melissa Obregon oversees the Mission Oaks office. She’s been with 7to7 Dental since 2013. Patients will be treated there by managing dentist Diego Bonilla, D.D.S., who graduated from the School of Dentistry at UT Health San Antonio.
Both offices include 12 patient rooms stocked with
state-of-the art technology, on-site X-ray equipment,
and television screens in the ceiling to keep
patients entertained.
The locally owned and operated practice has since grown to number 262 team members since 7to7 Dental opened the doors of their first office 17 years ago – with concern for their patients and community being their hallmark. Here’s to the new and improved Dental Hope!
