For fifth year, dentists to provide basic fillings and extractions to 50 adults on a first-come, first-served basis
Lake Worth, FL - (by Joyce Edelstein, PBSC) - Many adults in our community cannot afford basic dental treatment, and for the fifth year in a row, the organizers of Free Dentistry Day will do something about it.
On Wednesday, April 24, dentists affiliated with Atlantic Coast Dental Research Clinic, aided by Palm Beach State Dental Health students, will treat adults, 18 and older, at the Dental Health building located on the Lake Worth campus, 4200 Congress Ave. Adults who need, but cannot afford, fillings or extractions will be seen at no charge on a first-come, first-served basis and should be at the site before the doors open at 6 a.m. Treatment will begin at 8 a.m. A total of 50 patients will be seen for the day. While several dentists will be available, patients should be prepared to wait.
The treatment will be limited to fillings and extractions. The dentists will not perform dental check-ups, cleanings or advanced dental work, such as crowns and bridges. By focusing on fillings and extractions, the dentists will be able to do the most good for adults who cannot afford these services. Patients who cannot be treated will be given a list of options.
Dentists licensed to practice in Florida will perform the treatments. The dentists are taking time away from their practices to volunteer for this event. Students enrolled in Palm Beach State’s Dental Assisting program will assist the dentists chairside, and PBSC Dental Hygiene students will conduct pre-exam interviews and patient education.
Free Dentistry Day is an outgrowth of the longtime partnership between Atlantic Coast Dental Research Clinic and Palm Beach State’s Dental Health Services Department. ACDRC uses the College’s dental clinic to provide Dental Assisting students with the required clinical experience, as well as community dentists with continuing education.
“The students, faculty and staff of Dental Health Services at Palm Beach State College are very excited to host our Fifth Annual Free Dentistry Day event,” said Colleen Bradshaw, associate professor and Dental Assisting department chair. “Supported by the outstanding dentists from the Atlantic Coast Dental Research Clinic, we have provided relief for patients in pain who cannot afford dental treatment. It’s a humbling experience every year, and we feel honored to be able to serve the community in this way.”
No appointments will be taken, but for additional information, call 561-868-3747.
To learn more about PBSC’s Dental Health programs, visit www.palmbeachstate.edu/programs/DentalHealth.
For more information about ACDRC, visit www.AtlanticCoastDentalResearchClinic.org.