Two-day dental clinic returns to A-B Tech this Friday and Saturday

Sponsored by the North Carolina Dental Society, Eblen Charities, A-B Tech and others, a two-day dental clinic will be held at A-B Tech this Friday, Aug. 10 and Saturday, Aug. 11. Last year, the free dental care event attracted hundreds of people. The press release for this year’s event can be found below.
From the Eblen Charities Newsletter:

Many in need of dental care in our community who find it just out of reach will be able to get much of the treatment they need this coming Friday August 10th through Saturday August 11th in the gymnasium on the main campus of A-B Tech. The two day dental clinic provided by the North Carolina Dental Society, Eblen Charities, A-B Tech, and other partners is once again bringing together the dental community and scores of volunteers to provide free dental care to hundreds of families in our area that otherwise they would not be able to afford.

The clinic will begin at 8:00 AM both days and patients will be seen on a first come first serve basis. Services will include providing dental x-rays, extractions, fillings, restorative care, and cleanings. During the past two years, the Eblen Charities Missions of Mercy Dental Clinic Outreach has served nearly 2,000 patients providing more than $1,000,000 worth of dental care being provided at no cost during the two-day clinics.

A-B Tech is once again opening their campus for this ground -breaking event that proved to be one of the largest dental outreach of its kind in North Carolina’s history. They also provide the use of their gym for the main clinic of 40 dental chairs, and open their dental clinic with an additional 16 chairs giving their dental students the opportunity to join the outreach of kindness.

“This is again a wonderful opportunity for our community and for our area dentists who show their care and concern for those who are underserved. The Mission of Mercy Project not only brings attention to the access to care issue but also provides actual care to so many in need. This week we are looking to provide upwards to a half million dollars in free dental care thanks to everyone who are joining us in this endeavor,” states Dr. Jack Teague, president of the North Carolina Dental Society and Eblen Charities board member, who brought Missions of Mercy to Asheville.

“We are grateful to everyone who has worked tirelessly to make this outreach a reality. I am especially encouraged by the various nonprofits joining us including our partnership with Eblen Charities and the lead role they have taken,” Dr. Teague continued. “As a member of the board of directors of the Eblen Charities, I have always been proud that Eblen has always been at the forefront of helping those in need in our community. From providing shoes, medication, glasses, utility assistance, and housing to fixing teeth, there is nothing that the Eblen Charities isn’t willing to do to help others by rolling up their sleeves and getting their hands dirty. Eblen has always displayed a willingness to be proactive in providing assistance in our community.”

Since it’s founding in 2003 through the end of 2009 the North Carolina Missions of Mercy program has held more than 76 2-day clinics across North Carolina from Murphy to Kill Devil Hills. Although the NCMOM primarily limits its clinics to helping citizens of North Carolina, it participated in a large 65-chair clinic in New Orleans during February 2006 in partnership with the American Dental Association, the Virginia Dental Association, the Remote Area Medical of Knoxville, the Louisiana State Dental Association, and the LSU School of Dentistry. During this week long clinic free dental treatment was provided to over 3,600 needy individuals and hurricane victims of that area.

For more information or to volunteer at this week’s Mission of Mercy outreach at A-B Tech, please call the Eblen Charities at 828-255-3066 or visit their website at www.ncmomasheville.com