Success Story of the Project “Care Without Borders: Access to Quality Dental Care”
“A Smile That Brought Back Confidence”
Nadiia lives in Rivne, raises two children, and is in a civil partnership. She has been on an opioid substitution therapy program since 2010. Before that, her life was marked by difficult years — addiction, loss of health, teeth, work, and self-confidence.
“When my teeth started to decay, I stopped going out. I was ashamed to even talk to people. It felt like everyone was looking at me and thinking I was a lost cause,” Nadiia recalls.
Because of her appearance, she couldn’t find a job and avoided communication — even meeting other parents from her children’s school was emotionally hard. Yet deep down, she still had hope that one day she could start over.
Nadiia learned about the project “Care Without Borders: Access to Quality Dental Care” from her social worker, Olena. Olena supported her through every step — from the first consultation to prosthetics.
“Olena told me: ‘We’ll do everything so that you can smile again — openly and confidently. You deserve it.’ And for the first time in a long while, I believed that I could change,” Nadiia says.
After receiving her dental prosthetics, she looked in the mirror and burst into tears — not from pain, but from relief.
“My daughter looked at me and said, ‘Mom, you’re so beautiful now! You’re smiling again.’ And at that moment, I realized it had all been worth it,” Nadiia shares.
Now she confidently leaves her home, communicates with people again, and plans to return to work. She has become an example for other women in the program, showing that change is possible if you dare to take the first step.
The “Care Without Borders” project restored not only Nadiia’s health but also her faith in herself, her dignity, and the future of her family.
Project partner:
Municipal Non-Profit Enterprise “City Dental Clinic” of Rivne City Council
Project implemented with the support of:
Alliance for Public Health