For the fifth year in a row, Heritage Community Church is going to host the Florida Baptist Convention Mobile Dental Unit to provide free dental care to adults without health insurance, hosted in partnership with Beyond the Walls Food Pantry.
The free care is being offered for anyone uninsured age 18 or older, and includes cleanings, fillings and extractions. No oral surgeries or denture work will be performed.
The Mobile Dental Unit, which provides free dental care for underserved patients throughout the state, will be set up Aug. 4-8 at the church, 509 W. Berckman St., Fruitland Park.
To receive an appointment, you must first undergo a mandatory screening on Saturday, July 26, 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. For information, email [email protected] (Note: Flyers are circulating the wrong email address.)
Those interested should bring a list of all medications and be prepared to complete their screening to be eligible for services during Mobile Dental Care Week.
The Florida Baptist Convention Mobile Dental Ministry Unit, which is contracted with the Florida Department of Health Volunteer Health Care Provider Program, is an all-volunteer service, from the bus driver, dental coordinators, dentists and dental assistants to the dental hygienists.
“The host church is responsible for recruiting the volunteer dental staff, dentists, dental assistants, and dental hygienists,” explained Heritage Community Church Pastor Mike Smith.
Smith explained to the Daily Commercial that the Florida Baptist Convention provides the bus driver and dental coordinator, and the dental bus is fully equipped with two operatories, X-ray machines and dental supplies.
“The Mobile Dental Ministry provides an opportunity for Heritage Community Church and Beyond the Walls Food Pantry to share the love of Jesus by providing free dental services to our local community,” the pastor said.
“This ministry would not be accomplished without the services of dedicated dentists who volunteer their time to help our neighbors in need.
“We are always looking for volunteer dentists, dental assistants, and dental hygienists to volunteer their professional dental services.”
Dentists and dental hygienists who volunteer may receive up to a maximum of eight hours for their pro bono service that may be applied toward their continuing education credits.
Dental professionals who are interested in volunteering to give back to the local community can contact the Heritage Community Church Dental Mission directors, Mike and Lisa Smith. Email [email protected] or [email protected]
“We love seeing our community come together to make dental care accessible for everyone, and we’re proud to help spread the word,” said Fred Griffin Jr., president of the West Leesburg CRA.
For more info, call (352) 661-8519.
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