Success Story of the Project “Care Without Borders: Access to Quality Dental Care”
“A Smile That Brought Back Confidence”
Nadiia lives in Rivne, raising two children and being in a civil partnership. She has been on the opioid substitution therapy program since 2010. Before that, her life was filled with struggles — addiction, loss of health, teeth, job, and self-confidence.
“When my teeth started to crumble, I stopped going out. I was ashamed even to talk to people. It felt like everyone was staring at me, thinking I was hopeless,” Nadiia recalls.
Because of her appearance, she couldn’t get a job. She avoided social interactions, and even meetings with other parents at her children’s school were difficult. Yet deep inside, she held onto 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 the final prosthetics.
“Olena told me: ‘We’ll do everything to make you smile again — openly, without shame. You deserve this.’ And for the first time in years, I believed that I could change,” says Nadiia.
After receiving her dental prosthetics, she looked at herself 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 I realized that it was all worth it,” Nadiia shares.
Now she confidently leaves the house, communicates with people again, and plans to return to work. She has become an example for other women in the program, showing that real change is possible if you’re not afraid to take the first step.
The “Care Without Borders” project gave Nadiia not only back her health, but also her faith — in herself, her dignity, and her family’s future.
Project partner:
Municipal Non-Profit Enterprise “City Dental Clinic” of Rivne City Council
The project is implemented with the support of the Alliance for Public Health.