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| The staff at Dr. Rhonda Budlong’s dentistry office is donating their time this weekend to providing free dental care to patients in Waterloo. The Mission of Mercy event is being held for the first time in Iowa and up to 1,000 patients are expected. (News-Tribune photo by Mary Loden) |
Dentist and staff donate care
By ANGIE JOHANNSEN, News-Tribune Editor
There will be many more healthy smiles across the state after this weekend, thanks to the generous care of Iowa dentists and dental assistants.
Local dentist Dr. Rhonda Budlong and her staff will be part of the teams providing free dental care for people from around the state Friday and Saturday, Oct. 3 and 4, at the Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center in Waterloo.
Patients will be treated on a first-come, first-served basis at no cost, regardless of financial status.
Hours are 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. both days.
“I'm so glad that we are able to be a part of this because volunteer work is very gratifying,” said Budlong.
Budlong said the participating dental providers are expecting to see up to 1,000 patients. To make the event run smoothly volunteers have planned to run the clinic like a triage center with numbing stations set up throughout the auditorium. Dentists will perform services such as tooth cleaning, extractions, filling cavities and making partial dentures.
“We are not there to cure patients, just to help fix their problems,” Budlong said.
“Part of our job will also be to educate people.”
The Mission of Mercy is being held for the frist time in Iowa. It is patterned after events in Nebraska and Missouri, Budlong said.
The program is sponsored by the Iowa Dental Foundation, with participation by 60 to 70 dentists each day and 30 to 40 dental hygienists also working to provide care each day.
The event gives Budlong and her staff a chance to give back to the community. Budlong says she feels strongly about giving her own time when she can and she's been thrilled her staff has joined her efforts. Her office has also participated in the Give Kids a Smile and Donate a Dental Service programs.
Budlong will make her fifth trip to Jamaica in March doing mission dental work.
“I have a soft spot for those who need help,” she said. “How are some of these people going to get dentistry if we don't help them?
“I love volunteerism - it's what makes this world rock.”
Story created Sep 30, 2008 - 11:37:34 CDT.
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