News Summary
Providence is set to host a weekend-long free dental clinic organized by the Rhode Island Mission of Mercy, providing essential dental care to those in need. Anticipating over 300 volunteers, including medical professionals, the clinic aims to alleviate dental pain for attendees during the two-day event. Dr. Sam Zwetchkenbaum advises early arrival due to potential long lines. Patients will also receive oral hygiene supplies and information about further dental care resources. This event is crucial for those facing barriers to accessing dental health services.
Providence is hosting a weekend-long free dental clinic, organized by the Rhode Island Mission of Mercy, aimed at offering dental care to those in need. This event, located at the Providence Community Health Centers on Prairie Avenue, is anticipated to bring together over 300 volunteers, including medical professionals, to assist patients during the two-day clinic.
Doctor Sam Zwetchkenbaum from the Department of Health has advised individuals interested in attending to arrive early, as the lines may begin forming as early as 5:45 a.m. The clinic operates on a first-come, first-served basis and is open until approximately 5:30 p.m. each day, allowing patients to receive essential dental services regardless of their financial situation.
Dr. Jeffery Dodge, the founder of the Mission of Mercy clinic, has emphasized that anyone experiencing dental pain should take advantage of the services being provided at the event. This encouragement comes in light of the significant need for dental care, particularly following a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Wendy Duncan, vice president of Delta Dental of Rhode Island, has noted the high turnout expected for this year’s clinic, with reports indicating that lines could extend around the corner.
The Rhode Island Mission of Mercy has been in operation since 2012 and is regarded as one of the largest free dental health clinics in the state. The aim of the clinic is to offer immediate relief to individuals suffering from dental pain and discomfort, ultimately transforming many attendees’ experiences. In addition to receiving dental services, patients will also be given oral hygiene supplies, such as toothbrushes and flossers, along with access to information about further resources for dental care.
This free dental clinic serves as a vital service for many individuals who face barriers in accessing dental care, whether due to financial constraints or lack of insurance coverage. The response from the community underscores the critical need for such services, especially in the aftermath of the pandemic, which interrupted routine healthcare access for numerous individuals.
As the clinic progresses, attendees are encouraged to take advantage of the care being offered and the resources available to them. The collaborative effort by volunteers and healthcare professionals embodies a community spirit focused on improving dental health for all in Providence.
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Additional Resources
- WPRI: Free Dental Clinic Held in Providence
- GoLocalProv: Delta Dental of Rhode Island
- Turn to 10: Free Dental Clinic in Rhode Island
- Providence Journal: Community Health Centers Facing Financial Crisis
- Patch: Attleboro Students Help Free Dental Clinics
- Wikipedia: Dental Health
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Dentistry
- Google Search: Dental Care Resources
- Google Scholar: Dental Health Care
- Google News: Dental Care News
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
