Copyright MassLive
The Massachusetts Dental Society will host a free adult dental clinic in Worcester on Nov. 15. The clinic, known as Mission of Mercy, will be held at the DCU Center, according to the association’s website. Treatments include tooth extractions, fillings, root canals for front teeth only, X-rays, fluoride varnish and oral health education and training, according to a flyer from the dental society. Amanda Berthiaume, a dental hygienist and Massachusetts Dental Hygienist Association member, said this is the first time a Mission of Mercy clinic has been held in Massachusetts. Berthiaume, who is volunteering at the clinic, said similar Missions of Mercy have been held in Rhode Island and Connecticut. “The dental hygienist association tried to put it together, but it is a very heavy lift,” Berthiaume said. “This year, they (The Massachusetts Dental Society) stepped up, and they have a foundation that has money to give out to initiatives like this.” Worcester was chosen as the site of the clinic because it is a midway point for residents of eastern and western Massachusetts, according to Berthiaume. “Western Mass. is in need of dentistry like no other,” said Berthiaume, who lives in Springfield. “The DCU center seemed like a great space to hold the event.” The goal of the clinic is to serve those who are “underserved, uninsured, and those that would otherwise go without dental care,“ according to the association’s flyer. Doors will open at 6 a.m. at the DCU Center, 50 Foster St. “So you would get there early, get in line, it’s first-come, first-served, and we pull people, let people come in right up until the end,“ she said. Once registered, patients will have their vitals checked and their medical and dental history reviewed. The patient can tell the clinicians what treatment they seek, such as a cleaning or tooth extraction, she said. As the radiology lead, Berthiaume is responsible for providing X-rays to patients during triage. “We really want there to be lasting dentistry for these folks,” she said. “Something that will last at least five years, if not longer.” The clinic hopes to serve 300 people, but Berthiaume said it will serve as many as possible. The hope is to hold another Mission of Mercy in Massachusetts, though Berthiaume is not sure where it will be located. “At this point, we’re just trying to get through this inaugural year,” said Berthiaume.
