See the Dentist for Free Aug. 2-3 at Pallotti High School in Laurel

Submitted by Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington:

On Friday August 2 and Saturday, August 3, the gym of St. Vincent Pallotti High School (113 St. Mary’s Place, Laurel, MD) will transform into a 50-chair dental office, providing dental hygiene, restorative, endodontic and oral surgery services onsite. The goal is to serve as many people as possible who otherwise could not afford dental care – as many as 800 adults. Doors open at 6:00 a.m. Adult patients will be seen on a first come first served basis.

Known as the Mid-Maryland Mission of Mercy, the event is cosponsored by Catholic Charities and the Maryland Office of Oral Health. More than 300 volunteer dentists, hygienists and pharmacists will come together to provide an expected $650,000 in dental work at no cost. A similar event held earlier this year on the eastern shore of Maryland drew a line of more than 1,000 people before the 6 a.m. start.

Deacon Jim Nalls, who is helping to plan the event for Catholic Charities, said it highlights the dramatic need for adult dental care.

“There are a lot of programs, thankfully, to help ensure children have access to dental care, but there’s very little once you turn 18,” said Nalls, who coordinates programs with local Catholic parishes as his job at Catholic Charities. “However, I don’t think anyone would say dental health is optional once you are an adult. It’s tragic how many people can’t afford this kind of medical care.”

The Mission of Mercy service model started originally in Virginia, when a society of professional dentists recognized the tremendous need low-income families had for dental care. It has since expanded across the country, often held by local groups of dental societies and organizations.