TULSA, Okla. — On February 7th and 8th, thousands of dental professionals are giving back to the community to give back to their community with free dental care at the Exchange Center at the Tulsa fair grounds.
The Oklahoma Mission of Mercy and the Oklahoma Dental Foundation have set up over 100 dental chairs ready to help anyone in need of dental services for free.
We spoke with Dr. Wood about this event and why a dentist would take their time to volunteer and help fellow Oklahomans.
“It was to bring dentist, dental hygiene students, dental hygienists, and dental students all together to treat patients and to learn to give back to the community.”
The Oklahoma Mission of Mercy decided 15 years ago to pick a town in the state to set up a one-stop shop for dental services.
Typically, a routine cleaning without insurance can cost anywhere between $75 and $200. Root canals can cost between $200 and $400 per tooth, according to the Oklahoma Dental Association. Making it difficult for those without insurance to get the care they need, something Dr. Woods said can be detrimental to a person’s health.
Source: Smiles for all: free dental care event brings hope to thousands in Oklahoma / KJRH