The project “Care Without Limits: Access to Quality Dental Care” has reached its conclusion, and today we share another success story to be proud of.
Anatoliy from Rivne has been on the opioid substitution therapy (OST) program for over six years. Before that, his life was extremely difficult: prolonged substance use led to loss of health, teeth, and the ability to communicate normally with people. He also lost his job due to his appearance and health issues, and his relationships with friends and family fell apart because of shame and isolation.
"By that time, I felt like I was in a hole. I had almost no teeth left, my voice was weak, I was ashamed to smile. I kept losing jobs one after another. My loved ones drifted away because I couldn’t be a decent person," Anatoliy recalls.
After joining the OST program in 2017, his life began to gradually stabilize. Yet the biggest challenge remained – his teeth and oral health. Anatoliy learned about the “Care Without Limits” project on the OST website and decided to give it a try. He was supported every step of the way by social worker Olena:
"Olena said, ‘Don’t be afraid, we’ll do everything we can. You deserve a normal life and a smile.’ Her words gave me strength," Anatoliy remembers.
The project provided Anatoliy with full dental prosthetics. For the first time in many years, he could smile without fear or shame:
"When I saw myself in the mirror after the prosthetics, I didn’t recognize myself. It was like being born again. Now I can look for a job, communicate, and dream about having a family," Anatoliy says.
His new teeth restored his self-confidence and dignity, and his relationships with his mother and brother have grown warmer—they celebrate each of his achievements together.
The “Care Without Limits” project didn’t just give Anatoliy health – it gave him a chance at a full life, where he can be himself again, build relationships, and move forward. Anatoliy has already attended a job interview and is awaiting the results.
Project Partner:
Rivne City Council Municipal Dental Clinic
The project is implemented with support from:
Alliance for Public Health