Miles of Smiles

Almost two weeks ago now, Elisa and I volunteered at the Oregon Mission of Mercy's dental clinic. We had been planning for it, and advertising it at our clinic for almost a full month beforehand, but I had no idea what it would actually be and look like.

This is what I had in mind.



But, in reality, it was a great show of compassion and passion and dedication and effort of the dental community of Oregon and Washington state. Some dentists traveled from as far as Wisconsin to volunteer at this clinic.

The people that were served at the dental clinic were lining up outside the Oregon Convention Center since 9am the day before they opened doors. It was ridiculously amazing to see how much need there is for affordable dental care. By the end of the two days volunteers helped over 1500 underinsured individuals, performed over 5ooo procedures that were worth over $800,000 all free of charge. It was incredible to see how happy people were to receive such tremendous treatment all at no cost and with a smile and encouragement. Even after 9-10 hours on their feet the dentists and the community volunteers were kind, patient and smiling. That's what I call "quality care".

The volunteers triage patients depending on their dental needs and direct them to either x-ray, restorative, extractions or cleaning. Here is where we would catch the Spanish or Russian speakers and follow them through the entire process.

Just one of the many many stations that dentists and their assistants were occupying. Everyone helping a patient.