Clinic will help those who don't have dental insurance
By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on November 15, 2009 1:50 AM
A two-day free dental clinic for those with limited or no dental insurance will be offered in Goldsboro next weekend.
This is the fourth year for the "open door dental clinic," which originated in Burlington under "Missions of Mercy of N.C."
When local dentist Dr. O.R. Stovall III first learned of the effort, he along with staff members went as volunteers. His office was later responsible for bringing the program to Goldsboro.
It is a huge undertaking, says Kimberly Stovall, front desk assistant at the practice, who is coordinating volunteers for this year's event.
While Stovall and his staff will work the Friday-Saturday clinic, other dentists, dental assistants and dental students are also supporting the portable dental program.
But more help is needed, Ms. Stovall said.
"We still need volunteers for registering patients, helping with setup and breakdown," she said. "We're also looking for donations to run it and rooms for the volunteers to stay in."
Primarily offering cleanings, fillings and extractions, the clinic will be held at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 901 Harris St. On Friday, hours will be 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Saturday hours will be 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. The Colgate Dental Bus will also be there on Saturday for dental screenings for children, Ms. Stovall said.
One word of advice, she added -- get there early.
"This year it's first come, first served," she explained. "Be there early because the line is going to be long and we want to be able to see as many people as possible."
Translators are also expected to be on hand to assist with language barriers, Ms. Stovall said.
For more information or to volunteer, call 735-3431.