Dental Day Volunteers Bring Smiles

Dec. 20, 2011—Over three dozen Franklin county residents received welcome relief from tooth pain thanks to eight local dentists and the Baptist Men’s Dental Bus, all of whom volunteered their services for a free Dental Day.

“I was amazed. It really restored my faith in humankind to see so many dentists calling to participate,” commented Tom Collie, Director of Special Projects at Volunteers in Medicine, one of the volunteer organizations.  “There is such a desperate need for dental care.  We hope to do this on a monthly basis.”

Area healthcare organizations referred patients who were most in need—those experiencing pain and dental disease threatening their overall health.  Thirty-eight patients received extractions, fillings and cleanings.  All were uninsured and received services free of charge.

“One patient was in so much pain she was not even able to eat.  It was gratifying to see her come out of treatment smiling, “ said David Engel, Practice  Administrator forFranklin Community Health Services.

The 2-day event occurred  Friday Dec. 10 at Main Street Baptist Church and on Saturday Dec. 11 at the Franklin County Health Department.  It was organized by the Franklin County Healthcare Collaborative, which includes the Franklin County Health Department, Franklin Community Health Services, Volunteers in Medicine andFranklin Regional Medical Center.  Dental chairs and supplies were provided by the  Baptist Men’s Dental Bus and the Franklin County Health Department.

Participating dentists came from Franklin, Wake and Granville counties and many brought staff who volunteered as dental assistants.  Volunteer dentists included:

Dr. Shelly Rickert, Wake Health Services
Dr. Kenneth Evins
Dr. Harvey Yee
Dr. James Hardy
Dr. Monica Meng 
Dr. Smoak Ackerman
Dr. Rex Card
Dr. Albert Kelling

Dentists who wish to volunteer  for future events should contact Tom Collie at  919-497-6495 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). Patients must be referred by members of the Franklin County Healthcare
Collaborative.