Local Dentists to Provide Free Services to Needy
Posted
on Feb 03, 2016
April Event Will Offer Free Dental Services
To Needy in Ventura/Santa Barbara Areas
On the weekend of April 16-17, local dentists and other volunteers will gather at the Ventura County Fairgrounds to provide two days of free dental services to those in the area who otherwise would have no access to such care. Dr. Mark Lisagor (pictured here), Dr. Del Brunner, and Robyn Alongi visited Rotary Ventura South on Monday, February 1 to present an overview of the program.
Coordinated by the CDA (California Dental Association) Foundation, the "CDA Cares" Program is designed to improve the dental health of people who have been subject to trauma, domestic abuse, the effects of drug use, or general lack of proper care. "There's no judgment," said Dr. Brunner, "We don't ask people about their circumstances, we just ask them how we can help."
Dr. Lisagor noted that a full range of dental services will be provided at the annual event, including cleanings, fillings, extractions, limited root canals, limited stay plates, dentures, and prosthetic repairs, as well as patient education and assistance in enrolling in government-funded dental programs. "We'll have 100 dental chairs where volunteer dentists, working alongside community volunteers, will provide dental services valued at approximately $2 million. We expect to serve about 2,000 people over the two days."
Approximately 800 volunteers are needed to assist with set-up and tear-down, as well as other tasks such as registering/directing patients and passing out water and snacks to the people waiting in line to receive care. Many wait for 24 hours or more. Donations and sponsorships are also welcome to help cover the $400,000 in event expenses. Click here to obtain more information on the program and find out how you can help improve the dental health of those who are less fortunate.