The VCU School of Dentistry’s clinics provide holistic and comprehensive care to patients with complex needs while teaching the next generation of oral health care professionals.
Charles Janus, D.D.S, and fourth-year dental student Carolyn Recupero fit dentures for Jack Kaufman. (VCU School of Dentistry)
By Mackenzie Meleski
Recovery can be a long and winding road, and for many people it can start by finding the courage to seek help.
When Jack Kaufman visited the dental clinic at Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Dentistry for the first time in December 2021, he was preparing to start a new journey. After struggling with drug addiction for several years, the 28-year-old Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, native needed extractions, implants and eventually a set of dentures.
Kaufman first became addicted to prescription pain medication after getting his wisdom teeth removed as a teen. His substance abuse increased when he entered college, where he began drinking alcohol, smoking marijuana and using heroin. The imprisonment of his father during this time resulted in Kaufman leaving college and moving home where his problems worsened.
“I didn’t take care of my teeth at all during that point,” Kaufman said.
Everything changed for Kaufman when he met Kristen, who would later become his wife. With her encouragement, Kaufman found the courage to seek treatment for alcohol and substance abuse. He credits speaking to a therapist at Crossroads Treatment Center in Richmond and being prescribed proper medication as key components to maintaining sobriety.
Kaufman found a career working in a logistics warehouse. He and Kristen eventually married and moved onto a five-acre farm in Petersburg, where they reside with their many dogs, cats and horses. Inspired by Kristen’s lifelong love for horses, the couple rescue horses, train them and nurse them to health on their farm. They hope to eventually turn this passion into a business.
“She really brought me back,” Kaufman said of his wife.
He has now been sober for five years.
For Kaufman, everything was falling into place. However, a problem remained.
“My teeth were the last thing that was holding me back to my old drug addiction life,” Kaufman said. “And it was always such a struggle trying to just get one tooth extracted at a time, and it was so defeating trying to find a dentist who would be able to take payments at an incremental rate.”
To Kaufman, seeking proper oral health care felt “hopeless.” Not only were the expenses daunting, but finding time to attend appointments while working full time to support his family was extremely difficult.
After learning about VCU School of Dentistry through online research, Kaufman scheduled his first appointment. There, he met and connected with Charles Janus, D.D.S.
“I always hated coming to the dentist because of the trauma that comes with pulling teeth and I have a very high pain tolerance where anesthesia and numbing agents don’t work very well on me,” Kaufman said. “So, there was a lot of trauma there, but the people here were super nice, and I told my whole story to Dr. Janus, and always had a strong connection with him, so he encouraged me to keep coming back.”
The path to recovery leads to a new smile
The road to a full set of dentures can be long. To promote continuity of care as student providers graduate, patients are transitioned to rising students under the supervision of faculty. Janus and faculty colleague Sorin Uram, D.D.S., oversaw Kaufman’s care for the entire three-year period.
“Every time I see him, he’s so grateful and humble,” Janus said. “The thing that made him so unique is how he just changed his life.”
The process began with screenings and exploring treatment plans. He was faced with either realigning his teeth or having them pulled. Kaufman debated his options for six months, eventually electing to have his teeth pulled and dentures made.
Charles Janus, D.D.S., Jack Kaufman and fourth-year dental student Carolyn Recupero. (VCU School of Dentistry)
For Kaufman, finding a treatment plan that was within his budget and could be flexible with his work schedule was of utmost importance.
“I liked VCU because I felt like the students listened to what I wanted and needed,” Kaufman said. “I had a lot of triggers coming in, with the needles reminding me of prior drug usage, but the students were always very reassuring and helpful with that.”
Fourth-year dental student Carolyn Recupero assisted in creating and fitting Kaufman’s dentures in late summer 2023. By this point, all his teeth were extracted, and he had two implants placed.
“With any denture patient, it’s a long process,” Recupero said. “It’s a lot of appointments, and we want to make sure everything fits well. He had a long journey ahead of him.”
Kaufman received his dentures in January 2024, and continues to visit the School of Dentistry for adjustment appointments.
“It was really rewarding to be a part of this process,” Recupero said. “He worked really hard to get to this point, saved a lot of money and went through a lot. He seems to be in such a good place right now.”
Finding the strength and courage to seek help was difficult, but it was all worth it in the end, Kaufman says.
He recommends that others who need help, whether it be with oral health or personal struggles, talk to a therapist and build a strong support system around themselves. When faced with struggles, he learned to set goals for himself and get closer to the end result every day.
“The treatment I’ve received from the students and doctors has been a truly life-changing experience,” Kaufman said.
The Critical Role of Oral Health in Addiction Recovery
Oral health often becomes a neglected aspect during addiction, yet it plays a vital role in a person’s overall recovery. Jack Kaufman’s story highlights how dental care can be both a physical and emotional hurdle for those overcoming substance use disorders. Poor dental health can affect self-esteem, nutrition and social interactions, which are all important to sustaining long-term sobriety.
Many individuals in recovery face dental problems caused or worsened by prolonged drug use. Substances can contribute to tooth decay, gum disease and other oral health issues. For patients like Jack, addressing these problems is important to rebuilding confidence and improving quality of life.
Overcoming Barriers to Dental Care After Addiction
Accessing dental care is a significant challenge for many people in recovery. Financial concerns, lack of insurance and past negative experiences with healthcare providers can create barriers. Jack Kaufman’s difficulty finding affordable and compassionate dental care is common among those recovering from addiction.
The VCU School of Dentistry offers an important solution by providing comprehensive and affordable services, often on a sliding scale or payment plan basis.
Dental schools serve as vital community resources, especially for patients with complex medical and social histories. Their teaching clinics balance quality care with affordability, making dental treatment more accessible.
Holistic and Comprehensive Care at Teaching Clinics
Teaching clinics like VCU’s School of Dentistry provide holistic care that addresses patients’ multiple needs. Their approach includes thorough screenings, individualized treatment planning and coordination with other healthcare providers. This model supports recovery by recognizing the interconnectedness of oral health, mental health and substance use treatment.
Student providers work under faculty supervision to maintain continuity and quality of care, as seen in Jack’s multi-year treatment journey. This continuity helps build trust and comfort, which is important for patients with trauma or anxiety related to dental care.
The Impact of Compassionate Care on Recovery Outcomes
Compassionate care from dental professionals can significantly improve patient experiences and outcomes. Jack’s positive relationship with Dr. Janus and the dental students at VCU exemplifies this. When patients feel listened to and understood, they are more likely to adhere to treatment and follow-up visits.
Such supportive care also helps address dental anxiety and other emotional barriers. In Jack’s case, reassurance from providers helped him overcome triggers related to needles and past trauma. This enabled him to complete his treatment successfully.
Integrating Oral Health with Substance Use Disorder Treatment
Integrating dental care into addiction recovery programs is increasingly recognized as best practice. Oral health is an essential component of holistic recovery plans.
Cross-disciplinary collaboration between dental clinics, addiction treatment centers like Crossroads Treatment Centers, and mental health providers ensures that patients receive comprehensive support.
This integration improves early identification of dental issues, timely intervention and reduces long-term health complications. For patients, this means a smoother recovery process and better overall well-being.
Encouraging Others on the Road to Recovery
Jack Kaufman’s story serves as an inspiration to others facing similar challenges. His advice to seek help, build strong support networks and set realistic goals applies broadly to both addiction recovery and health maintenance. His experience underscores the importance of addressing all facets of recovery, including oral health.
VCU School of Dentistry’s role in his journey demonstrates how educational institutions can contribute meaningfully to community health. By providing compassionate, affordable care, they help remove barriers and support sustained sobriety.