Dental care for thousands of Central Texans is in the hands of Manos de Cristo — How you can help

The dental clinic started 36 years ago on Cesar Chavez Street after a local church pastor saw people in excruciating pain.

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Ninety-two percent of Americans said they would consider putting off dental care because it's too expensive, according to a Money.com survey.

“I think we've all had that experience with a dentist,  you go and they tell you it's going to cost this much and you're like, 'Whoa, whoa!'” Manos de Cristo Executive Director Julie Ballesteros said.

“It's about dignity," she said. "We all know people that you're having a conversation with, and they do this [cover their mouth]. And it's not because they don't want to talk to you, it's because they are embarrassed by [how] their teeth look, no one should have to be embarrassed. We provide services here that are affordable. We want our patients to smile."

Austin's Manos de Cristo Dental Center has a dedicated staff of experienced dentists and hygienists. The office offers x-rays, cavity fillings, root canals and dental implants at deeply discounted prices to the underserved and uninsured.

“Dental does not have to be a luxury, that is really my big message to the community. With the help of the community, we can keep it that way,” Ballesteros said.

Manos de Cristo runs on donations and grants to keep its doors open.

“Dental is about half of the people we serve. We see about 15,000 appointments per year. Through all of our programs we serve about 30,000 people,” Ballesteros said.

The dental clinic started 36 years ago on Cesar Chavez Street after a local church pastor saw people in excruciating pain.

“People didn't have a place to go for dental issues, they were pulling, taking desperate measures to their own teeth. They were eating baby food, because that's all that they could chew,” Ballesteros said.

The demand for affordable dental care led Manos de Cristo to move to a bigger space in north Austin and expand services, Ballesteros said.

“In addition to our dental services, we also provide education classes that include English as a second language, computer literacy classes and citizenship classes,” Ballesteros said.

The clinic has 11 dentist chairs and no shortage of patients.

Next to the lobby of the dental clinic is a sign that reads “Everyone is Welcomed Here.”

“We take extra measures of precaution to make sure that we treat people kindly because they've already been in pain. They're coming here because they want to get out of pain and they want to get back to work,” Ballesteros said.

Ballesteros said Manos de Cristo depends on the kindness of donations with one of its biggest fundraisers on Friday.

“This is your chance to be kind to your community, this is a chance to help those that are in need,” Ballesteros said.

The same kind of kindness is rooted in their mission.

“We all struggled at one time or another, whether it be financially or other ways. But this is your opportunity to show your kindness to an organization that helps 30,000 people a year,” Ballesteros said.