The project “Care Without Limits: Access to Quality Dental Care” has come to an end, 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: long-term drug use had taken a toll on his health, his teeth, and his ability to communicate normally with people. He also lost his job due to his appearance and health issues, and relationships with friends and family fell apart due to shame and isolation.
“By that time, I felt like I was in a pit. I had almost no teeth left, my voice was weakening, and I was ashamed to smile. I kept losing jobs one after another. Loved ones drifted away because I couldn’t be a decent person,” Anatoliy recalls.
After joining the OST program in 2017, his life gradually began to 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 throughout the process by social worker Olena:
“Olena told me, ‘Don’t be afraid, we’ll do everything possible. 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 getting my dentures, I didn’t recognize myself. It felt like being born again. Now I can look for a job, communicate with people, and dream about having a family,” Anatoliy says.
The new teeth restored his confidence and dignity, and his relationships with his mother and brother have grown warmer—they celebrate every achievement of his together.
The “Care Without Limits” project didn’t just give Anatoliy his health back—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 waiting for the results.
Project partner:
Rivne City Council Municipal Dental Clinic
Project implemented with the support of:
Alliance for Public Health