Mission of Mercy
SAN ANTONIO – Hundreds of volunteers showed a true sense of community Sunday as they worked together to offer 1,000 San Antonians free dental care. It was an event called Mission of Mercy, hosted and operated by the American Dental Association.
A total of 938 volunteers, including 161 dentists and 69 dental assistants from 38 states and 10 countries, dedicated their time Sunday.
“I think that these dentists are being nice,” said Aldin Dickerson, who waited in line for hours with his mom and three siblings.
“They’re probably going to clean them. Hopefully not pull them out!” said Aldin’s brother, Amari Dickerson.
A lot of people got way more than a teeth cleaning.
We watched as several people without teeth got a full set of dentures fitted and put in.
“Today I had some fillings done and I also had a tooth that was very rough, so Dr. Ron just smoothed it out. That way it’s not cutting on my tongue anymore,” said Kathy Nelson.
Nelson got in line for her dental care at 1:30 a.m. She said it was definitely worth the wait.
“My husband is disabled and so we don’t have the extra money to spend on dental work,” she said. “It’s wonderful just to know that they’re willing to help other people instead of being at the office.”
The care wouldn’t have been possible without people like American Dental Association Consumer Adviser Maria Lopez Howell.
“There is a dental and oral care crisis, basically. Not just in San Antonio,” Howell explained.
She was born and raised in San Antonio, and has practiced dentistry in the city for 31 years. She said caring for her city has become a top priority.
“It’s near and dear to our hearts,” she said.
It’s also dear to the hearts of those who now have many reasons to smile.
A big part of the day’s event focused on education, teaching people simple and cheap practices to prevent dental emergencies. Those include brushing and flossing every day, seeing a dentist regularly and avoiding sugary or acidic foods.
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