Medical Teams International Teams Up with the Blazers to Provide Dental Care for Needy
By Medical Teams International,
On November 10, 2011, Medical Teams International supplied urgent dental care to those experiencing homelessness and poverty at as part of the Portland Trailblazers’ 16th annual Harvest Dinner. The day-long event provided food and other vital services to 5,000 underserved members of the Portland community.
The Portland-based humanitarian organization sent out 34 volunteers in three of its state-of-the-art mobile dental vans. Medical Teams International volunteer dentists and hygienists provided nearly $27,000 worth of dental services for more than 50 patients. Urgent care treatments included extractions, fillings and root canals.
“I haven’t seen a dentist in over 10 years since I got out of the Army,” said David, a Mobile Dental patient. “Being in pain for so long, it’s a precious relief to just be seen by a dentist.”
“It’s an incredible event,” said Dr. Kris Blodgett, a Mobile Dental volunteer. Despite the long days at his own clinic in Beaverton, Ore., Dr. Blodgett still makes time for the Medical Teams International clinics as he feels that these “invigorate the soul.”
The Medical Teams International Mobile Dental Program provides free or low-cost dental care to low-income children and adults, the homeless and migrant workers who lack insurance or a realistic way to pay for treatment. Since 1989, the program has provided care for more than 176,000 patients. In 2010, Mobile Dental saw more than 17,000 patients and provided approximately $7 million worth of free dental care.
To learn more about the Mobile Dental program and other Medical Teams International services please see our Mobile Dental Program page.
Author: Katie Johnson
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