Hundreds Turn Up For Free Dental Treatment In The US
The state of US dentistry means that many are unable to afford even the most basic of dental treatments. This in turns means that when free dental events are held hundreds and at times even thousands turn up for treatment.
This was very much the case at St Vincent’s Pallotti High School in Maryland. Crowds were waiting before the doors had even opened at 6am and one family had even made the efforts to wait since the night before to ensure they had a place in line.
Routine procedures were offered such as check-ups, cleanings and fillings for cavities, none of which the waiting crowds had been able to afford.
Over 300 volunteer pharmacists, hygienists and dentists provided vital dental care at the event, with around 800 people receiving treatment of some kind during the two days the event was held.
Also known as MOM the Mid-Maryland Mission of Mercy events aim to decrease the numbers of patients admitted to the emergency rooms for dental related illnesses, infection and pain, which occur when dental conditions remain untreated. The services offered at the MOM events is also more effective than emergency room treatments, as the professionals at MOM offer more than just a case of antibiotics to fight a dental problem; they go to the root of the condition to prevent it from returning again and again.
During the event an estimated $650,000 of free dental work was provided, helping many, many suffering patients from the local area, who had no means of paying for high cost dental treatments.
The amount of Medicaid treatment in the US is set to rise, but currently charitable events such as MOM are still desperately required in the US for those unable to pay ludicrous dental prices.
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