Working with our local dental community at the 2nd Annual Free Dental Day was rewarding as Palmetto Palace was able to provide dental care and oral health education to those in need in the local community and state-wide.
Palmetto Palace 2nd Annual Free Dental Day-July 17,18th
Through Hope Smiles Together, I have been able to partner with organizations both domestically and internationally through distributing dental hygiene supplies. However, it is a blessing when I can do hands-on work which I was able to do this July during the Palmetto Palace 2nd Annual Free Dental Day. The Palmetto Palace is an organization which provides services to the underserved through free dental clinics and a dental and medical mobile unit. Their mission is to serve those in need through preventative and diagnostic care. Their goal is to provide healthcare, public education and resources to those who may not receive care elsewhere.
Palmetto Palace hosted their 2nd Annual Free Dental Day on July 17 and 18th at the Charleston Area Convention Center. The weekend prior, they held dental screenings to work more efficiently during the two-day event. Hundreds traveled great distances around the state to arrive and stand in lines for hours to be screened and make an appointment for the event. Walk ins were allowed on the weekend of the event until capacity was met. Henry Schein and many other sponsors helped supply dental products and sterilization equipment for the event. The 2nd Annual Free Dental Day provided no cost dental care for uninsured and underinsured adults and children. The coliseum provided a space for a large temporary clinic with sections of care from dental hygiene, extractions, radiology, dental restorations and oral health education. Volunteers ranged from dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants and support staff. I was able to participate as a hygiene assistant.
Garrett
While I was assisting, I was able to interact with the patients and assist in their care. My hygienist that I partnered with had participated last year and was able to show me the ropes. It was rewarding to be part of the dental effort as we had patients coming through in desperate need of dental care. I was able to see first hand the dental situation they were in as I suctioned during the procedures and we were able to assist them by improving their dental health. My hygienist was excellent to provide them with oral health education as we cleaned. I was able to see what my future could be as a volunteer practitioner after I graduate from dental school and I am inspired by the number of volunteers in our dental community. I look forward to serving in that capacity in my future!
