The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
Free dental clinic open to those on low incomes, vets
FARMINGTON — The Connecticut Foundation for Dental Outreach is holding its free,15th Connecticut Mission of Mercy Free Dental Clinic Saturday and Sunday at the UConn School of Dental Medicine at 300 UConn Health Boulevard in Farmington.
It is located on the UConn Health Center Campus at 263 Farmington Ave., according to a press release.
“It is wonderful to be able to provide dental care to our underserved and uninsured patients after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic. CTMOM is happy to do everything we can to help improve the quality of life of those we serve,” Connecticut Foundation for Dental Outreach (CFDO), Chairman Dr. Robert Schreibman said in a prepared statement. “We are honored and very excited to partner with the UConn School of Dental Medicine. Their magnificent facilities will allow us to treat so many during this difficult time.”
Patients come from throughout the state for treatment and to volunteer, according to Mary Coursey of Coursey & Company Public Affairs Communications.
CTMOM provides dental services for underserved individuals who cannot afford the cost of care.
The clinic is first-come; first-served and will administer care to more than 1,600 patients during the two days, and will feature 169 dental stations and more than 800 volunteers, the news release said. The clinic provides a full range of dental services, including exams, X-rays, cleanings, extractions, fillings, as well as limited root canals on front teeth and interim partial dentures.
“We share a common goal of providing dental care to the citizens of Connecticut, and although our faculty, residents and students have been volunteering with CTMOM since its inception, having CTMOM at UConn Health brings the relationship to a whole new level,” according to Dr. Steven M. Lepowsky, dean of the UConn School of Dental Medicine.
Eve Marie Perugini, Ph.D., a CFDO board member says the organization is excited to serve veterans. “It has long been a priority of CFDO and CTMOM to provide dental care to veterans and their families, as less than 10% of U.S. veterans qualify for dental care through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and the criteria for eligibility is quite specific.”
For information, visit cfdo.org.