A-B Tech hosts state's second largest dental clinic

ASHEVILLE, N.C., Aug. 18 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College hosted the North Carolina Dental Society's second-largest Missions of Mercy (MOM) free dental clinic Aug. 13 and 14, providing about $400,000 worth of care to nearly 900 people.

Forty dental chairs filled A-B Tech's gym holding patients in need of fillings, extractions and other services. "This was the second-largest clinic ever held in North Carolina, and would have been the largest if we had more chairs," said Dr. Jack Teague, III, an Asheville dentist, A-B Tech Foundation board member and local MOM steering committee chair.

Taylor Reed drove 250 miles from Raleigh to be in line by 6 p.m. the night before the clinic, and slept outside on a concrete sidewalk. "It's worth whatever I have to go through. I can hardly eat anything," said Reed, who had four impacted wisdom teeth.

In addition to the state Dental Society and A-B Tech, the clinic was offered in conjunction with the local Dental Society, Eblen Charities, Asheville-Buncombe Community Christian Ministry, and others. The more than 250 volunteers included dentists, hygienists, assistants, lab technicians, students and community members.

Missions of Mercy are sponsored by the North Carolina Dental Health Fund, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization whose mission is to provide free dental services to those in financial need. The program is a grassroots effort that depends on volunteers, with funding from grants and donations.

"For years, A-B Tech and its Foundation have worked diligently to make our community a better place to live and work. A-B Tech's willingness to host this event is another example of the concern and commitment the college has for our community," said Teague.

MOM organizers began offering the two-day clinics in North Carolina in early 2004. Through the end of 2009, more than 75 clinics had been held across North Carolina, with more than $7 million in free dental care provided to more than 22,000 North Carolinians. This clinic was the first held in Asheville.

"Forty dentists signed up for the Asheville event, more than any other MOM. The North Carolina Dental Society is extremely grateful to all those who are involved. It was a wonderful event to help those in need within our area," Teague said.