Free Dental Clinics to Provide Care For Low-Income and Uninsured

Free Dental Work — Volunteer teamed up for the largest free adult clinic in state history to treat those who can’t afford dental care. The Columbia Center for dentistry held a free clinic for children in need of dental care. Thousands of people showed up to get free dental care Friday and Saturday as the Connecticut Mission of Mercy offered a two-day free dental clinic in the city.

Hundreds line up for free dental clinic

DURHAM (WTVD) — Volunteer teamed up for the largest free adult clinic in state history to treat those who can’t afford dental care.

The Missions of Mercy clinic, sponsored by the N.C. Dental Society, began Friday and will wrap-up Saturday. Clinic hours are from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days at the Durham National Guard Armory on Stadium Drive.

Patients are treated on a first-come-first-served basis. Patients will receive examinations, x-rays, cleanings, restorations and extractions for free. They also will be offered oral health education.

More: http://abclocal.go.com

Gov. Jennifer Granholm applauds bill to lure 47,000 public employees, including teachers, into retirement

Gov. Jennifer Granholm on Thursday applauded the introduction of bills she believes will save hundreds of millions of dollars and create jobs for state college graduates.

Bills, including one introduced by state Sen. Mark Jansen, R-Gaines Township, would allow eligible employees to retire by Oct. 1 to get a slightly larger retirement check and would keep free dental and vision coverage in retirement.

More: http://www.mlive.com

Local dental group gives free dental service

GAINESVILLE – It’s not every day that people jump at the chance to see the dentist, but dozens of people lined up outside an office Friday morning for that exact reason.

Dr. Kell Galaher, with the Gainesville Dental Group off Thompson Bridge Road, said they’re seeing them for free for one day only.

More: http://www.accessnorthga.com

Free Dental Clinic Helps Kids

COLUMBIA – When it comes to dental care, too many Mid-Missouri kids aren’t smiling. When it comes to dental care, too many Mid-Missouri kids aren’t smiling.

Small mouths can make lots of noise, but health officials call Missouri’s oral health crisis a silent epidemic among children. The Columbia Center for dentistry held a free clinic for children in need of dental care.

More: http://www.komu.com

Special dentists treat special-needs children

Reagan, who has Down syndrome, is one of hundreds of special-needs children who received free dental care through a local group called Zangi Grotto, a Masonic organization.

Tom Anderson of Port Orange, who is known as “Dr. of Smiles” even though he’s not a doctor, has helped close to 3,000 children since he took over the program in 1987, providing more than $1.1 million in free dental care.

More: http://www.news-journalonline.com

Free dental care offered in Middletown

MIDDLETOWN — Thousands of people showed up to get free dental care Friday and Saturday as the Connecticut Mission of Mercy offered a two-day free dental clinic in the city.

The clinic took place at Aetna’s campus off Industrial Park Road starting at 8 a.m. on both mornings and going into the evening. According to Carol Dingeldey, executive director of Connecticut State Dental, about 2,000 people will be served at the weekend clinic.

More: http://www.middletownpress.com

Free dental clinic brightens smiles of the uninsured

Last year, volunteers provided free dental care valued at more than $2 million to 5,300 patients, 25 percent to 30 percent more than the previous year, Parker said. This year, the project expects to serve at least 6,000 patients, including at least 1,000 this week in Durham.

The huge turnout illustrates that many people can’t get decent health care, can’t afford it or choose not to pay for it, said Gary Rozier, a UNC-Chapel Hill health policy and management professor.

More: http://www.newsobserver.com