More than 1,500 people are expected to have their dental pain eased and their smiles restored at the S.C. Carolina Dental Association’s free dental clinic at the First Baptist Church of Rock Hill.
The clinic began its two-day run in Rock Hill in the early morning hours Friday. A long, windy line almost crossed over itself as hundreds waited for treatment. Some had waited for help overnight. Dental work started at 6 this morning and by 7:15 the first patients were making their way home.
“This is just wonderful,” said Rosa Williams of Chester through a clenched jaw. Williams had two teeth extracted, something she has wanted to have done for awhile, but should couldn’t afford because she doesn’t have health insurance. Williams came Thursday to be pre-screened for treatment. She arrived at 4:30 this morning and was finished by 7:15. “They told me I would look like a princess when it was done,” Williams said. “But I told them I was already a princess, this would make me a queen!”
Services at the free event are cleanings, x-rays, fillings, extraction, root canals and crowns. Patients are seen on a first-come, first served basic and services will close when the clinic reaches capacity. The event runs to 6 p.m. today and reopens Saturday from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Source: www..heraldonline.com; Don Worthington; August 8, 2014.