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Dec 9, 2025
Yucaipa resident smiling after winning $50,000 worth of free dental work
Redlands Daily Facts
The 68-year-old retired Yucaipa resident grappled for years with missing teeth, dental pain and mustering enough confidence to smile.
All three challenges soon will be gone.
Jones was chosen as the winner of a program that will give her free dental work.
She learned last month that the Second Chance program picked her for a full-arch dental restoration -- work that's worth $50,000. The process involves replacing a row of teeth with a permanent set of prosthetic teeth anchored by implants.
Dr. David Gilbert, of Inland Institute Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, surprised her with the news at the practice's Upland office.
"Beyond aesthetics, the initiative is about helping individuals rebuild confidence, improve health and reclaim a sense of belonging that is often lost when dental challenges create social or professional barriers," a news release states.
In addition to the dental issues, Jones has fought a back injury, a severe COVID-19 case, hospitalization and diabetes.
"We are honored to begin this life-changing smile transformation journey with Tholia," Gilbert said in the release. "What truly stood out was the depth of what she has endured ... That combination would break anyone's spirit, yet she kept moving forward. Her story spoke to my heart, and I knew she was someone who would benefit tremendously from this opportunity."
The work will be performed with partners Dr. Raj Swamidass and Dr. Brian Goodacre of Upland Prosthodontics, with support from Nobel Biocare.
After the announcement, Jones expressed her gratitude.
"Hopefully, with these implants, I'll be my old self again," she said in the release. "I'll smile fully and happily."
