Dentist Provides Free Dental Reconstruction To Gay Hate Crime Victim
For the past year and a half, Dr. Gary Cash has been providing Andrew Oppelman with up to six figures in dental care after he lost nine teeth in a violent assault.
In October of 2012, Andrew Oppelman and Nick Soret were assaulted in an alleged hate crime during Pride in Austin, TX.
The two men were reportedly waiting for a slice of pizza at a food truck when a man accused Soret of hitting on him.
Oppelman had nine of his teeth completely knocked out in the attack.
A local Austin dentist, Dr. Gary Cash, was "deeply disturbed" by the attack. He reached out to a reporter to get in touch with Oppelman.
For the past year and a half, Dr. Cash has been providing Oppelman with dental reconstruction procedures – including implants – totally free of charge.
A victim’s relief fund helped to pay for a huge portion of the work, which otherwise would have cost up to six figures.
The dentist wanted to give back to the city of Austin and the people who have been "so warm and welcoming" to his practice.
Oppelmon posted to his facebook, "As of now I have had thousands of dollars in dental work done and a lot more to come. My spirit has been broken but because of the support I am on the mend."
