Asheville Family Dentists Give Back
The on-going recession and slow recovering economy has left many North Carolinians without a safety net. That’s what we heard on a Saturday in early August as we the Saunders Family Dental team took our time, education, and talents to a two day dental clinic set up by the North Carolina Missions of Mercy (NCMOM) on the campus of Asheville’s A-B Tech.
Even before the doors opened Drs. Steven and Mike Saunders, dental assistant Jessica Patrick, and dental hygienist Leigh Anne Thibodeau were busy making ready to treat the hundreds of people already lined up at the door. The work began months ago for Dr. Steven who serves as a planning committee board member. It’s quite a logistical feat to prepare the clinic, collect donations, recruit volunteers and organize them to efficiently treat a large number of patients.”
To be sure, all the planning and work were worth the effort because by the end of the weekend approximately 1,000 North Carolinians had been served with procedures such as professional teeth cleanings, dental x-rays, dental fillings, partials, and extractions.
Truth is you don’t need to travel to another country to find people in need. We’re so glad we were able to use our talents to make a difference in the lives of our fellow North Carolinians. Dr. Steven Saunders
The North Carolina Missions of Mercy is a grassroots effort, dependent on volunteers, with funding from grants and donations. It began in 2003 and has held some 88 2-day clinics throughout North Carolina. It serves primarily adults with financial need who have no other options. To make a donation or for more information on dental services, visit their website.