Adults will have the chance to protect their pearly whites at an event this Saturday at Norge Dental Center.
As part of the worldwide nonprofit Dentistry from the Heart, the local practice will provide patients 18 and older with free cleanings, extractions or fillings.
The project started at Norge Dental Center in 2012, and has become an annual day of service each spring. Alyssa McDonald, event coordinator, said it is a great way to give back to the community with a focus on older patients who may have fewer resources available to them.
“There’s just so many programs out there for children, which are wonderful, but not so many for adults,” McDonald said.
In two successful years – with more than 200 people treated at each event – McDonald said the team has developed a sense of organization and flow to make the whole process run smoothly.
All 35 members of the staff, including four doctors, volunteer their time for the event. They are joined by other dentists from the area, and are often assisted by friends, family members and existing patients who wanted to get involved as well. These volunteers have directed traffic, chatted with patients and brought food for those waiting in line.
With such a large number of patients, guest must wait outside the building. Those seeking services should expect to wait a couple of hours, depending on time of day and how many have already arrived. In the past, guests have started gathering at practice at 6 a.m., with registration beginning at 8 a.m.
Services are guaranteed for the first 200 patients, but McDonald said Norge Dental Center is hoping for an even larger turnout and will not turn anyone away.
Participating in Dentistry from the Heart has given McDonald new insight into the need for dental care, and how rewarding it is to provide the service.
“Not everyone has ability to get the care that we do, working in this field,” she said.
Word has gotten out about the event in Norge, with patients coming as far as North Carolina for care.
Patients will be seen until 4 p.m. Saturday, on a first come, first served basis. They are encouraged to dress and pack appropriately for the weather.
For more information, visit Norge Dental Center’s website or call 564-0804.
