Mar. 24--Lines of people eager for dental work are expected to form in the wee hours of the morning Friday.
The Mission of Mercy free dental clinic scheduled for Friday and Saturday at the Roanoke Special Events Center at the Roanoke Civic Center is expected to help about 1,100 people who would otherwise not have access to dental care.
Organizers have asked that people don't show up until 4 a.m. But if past years are any indication, some people will likely arrive even earlier. Doors open at 6 a.m. and people are seen on a first come, first served basis.
More than 700 volunteers will be on hand to help run the clinic. That includes almost 100 dentists, about 60 dental hygienists and approximately 95 dental assistants, said Pat Young, project manager for the clinic.
There also are about 100 licensed medical providers, such as nurses and emergency medical technicians, who will perform health screenings on those seeking help. Blood pressure, blood sugar levels and pulse rates will be taken to make sure patients are safe to undergo dental work.
People are encouraged to bring any medications they take, said Edie Naughton, who through her job doing community outreach for Carilion Clinic has coordinated the medical screenings.
In January, the clinic had identified only 25 volunteer dentists, but Young said the response for more help has been strong. Most of the volunteer dentists are from the Roanoke Valley, although some are coming from other parts of the state -- including a group from the School of Dentistry at Virginia Commonwealth University.
Even so, Young said there is a likelihood that some people may not get treated.
"We're getting calls from people from Ohio, Florida and South Carolina and Tennessee," Young said. "We're getting calls from people all over, this is beyond the region, who have heard about this project and talked about traveling to access services."
Appointments cannot be made.
While the clinic will perform extractions, fillings and cleanings, it can't do everything. One common request that can't be accommodated is the need for dentures, Young said. That's because a proper fitting typically takes multiple visits to the dentist over several days.
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