A New Smile for a Fresh Start

“Over the years, everything just deteriorated, and I ended up with hardly any teeth left. I felt really self-conscious about it. People judge you for not having teeth, and it affected how I saw myself.”

When I came to Wellington earlier this year, I was a full-blown addict - drugs and alcohol, homeless, and living on the streets - and I’d lost 23 kgs. I was caught up in all the wrong things, hanging around gangs, and spiraling deeper into addiction. But then my first grandchild was born, and that was the turning point for me. I realised I was no good to anyone as an addict. Now, I’ve changed my entire life, and I’m starting rehab tomorrow. I’ve been clean for three months.

Addiction has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I think my traumatic childhood played a big part, even though I know that’s a bit of a stereotype. Things went from bad to worse ten years ago when I was working on oil rigs in Australia. A lot of the people I worked with used meth to get through the night shifts. One night, I joined in, and within a year, I was hooked.

I found out about DCM through others in the homeless community. I was very unwell, and they encouraged me to come here. When I first came to DCM and started seeing the dentist, I was missing all my top teeth. Not having teeth affected me hugely. I wouldn’t even go outside in public if I could avoid it.

"I felt naked without my teeth. It damaged my self-esteem and confidence and I struggled to eat and talk. It really impacted everything for me."

When I found out DCM could help me get dentures, I was over the moon. Having the dentures gave me my pretty smile back! I can eat and talk again. My grandad always told me, “When you leave the house, make sure you look presentable,” and now, I feel like I do. 

Working with the team at the DCM dental clinic was amazing. Sophie (volunteer lead dentist at DCM’s dental clinic) is so down-to-earth and skillful. Everyone was so approachable and kind. They help people so much more than they realise. I’ve also had counselling here at DCM and connected with other people. It’s been such a good experience. Now, I’m housed, with a long-term tenancy agreement.

I actually gave uni a shot just before I came to Wellington. I even landed a law degree placement. But then a few bad things happened, and I fell back into addiction, so I didn’t take the opportunity. It’s still there, though, so I can go back to it one day. I’ve always wanted to be a lawyer or a judge. Being a grandad now, and knowing there are more grandchildren to come – that’s what drives me. I have to do this for them.

I’m so glad I met everyone at DCM and grateful that they’ve been a part of my journey. It pays to be vulnerable, to be honest, and to embrace change - change your body, change your life. It starts with being honest with yourself, reaching out, and asking for support.

"There’s nothing but good here at DCM. They help people so much. It’s so much more in-depth than just a set of teeth, it’s humanity."