Mission of Mercy Announces Free Dental Clinic Dates
by CTNewsjunkie Staff | Mar 1, 2012 11:00am
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Posted to: Health Care, Danbury
Hugh McQuaid File Photo
A Mission of Mercy volunteer examines a patient at last year’s clinic
The Connecticut Mission of Mercy announced Wednesday it will hold its annual two-day free dental clinic at the O’Neill Center at Western Connecticut State University on March 23 and 24.
Patients in need of urgent and immediate dental care will be served on a first come first serve basis by an expected 1,400 volunteers, according to a press release. The group is expecting more than 2,000 patients to attend the clinic over the weekend.
Services provided will include cleanings, fillings, x-rays, oral exams, extractions, oral surgery, and temporary partial dentures.
This year will be the fifth clinic the group has put on in the state since it started in 2008. According to a press release they have served around 7,000 people and given more than $3.6 million in dental care since then.
Sen. President Donald Williams said Mission of Mercy volunteers have helped Connecticut residents lead healthier lives over the years.
“Unfortunately far too many Connecticut families lack access to affordable dental coverage which can lead to a myriad of health problems. Mission of Mercy helps highlight what truly is a health crisis,” he said in a statement.
The group’s co-founder, Dr. Robert Schreibman, said the number of people who attend the clinic demonstrate the need for more dental care coverage in the state.
“CTMOM is a wonderful charitable event that serves a population in need, but our goal remains remains to see a long-term solution that provides access to dental health coverage for every resident of Connecticut,” he said.
Dr. Michael Perl, the group’s other co-founder said dental health goes hand in hand with overall health. People can not or do not practice good dental care can face major health problems, he said.
“This is more than a dental issue—it is also a critical health issue,” he said.
-Click here to read about last year’s clinic
