11-Year-Old Sees Dentist for the First Time

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Many have not gone to a dentist's office in years, and there others who have never gone. Such was the case of Erin...

(Portsmouth, Virginia) - Recently a knock on Christine’s door broke up her daily routine. Much to the mother’s surprise, a volunteer from Sanctuary of Hope Church was on the other side with an amazing invitation. Operation Blessing, Old Dominion University’s school of hygiene, the Oral Health Coalition and the United States Navy were going to hold a free dental clinic at the church on October 15-16th! Christine excitedly took the flyer and made a call to set up an appointment.

Erin, 11, was a little nervous when her mother Christine told her she was going to see the dentist. This would be the fourth grader’s first time! As a single working parent, Christine’s job as a second shift dispatcher at a tow truck company did not include insurance. In addition to the job, Christine has begun home schooling Erin and her brother.

Time came for Erin to go into one of four Navy mobile dental trucks parked in the church’s parking lot. There a gentle hygienist put yellow protective glasses on her patient and began cleaning her teeth. “This is just absolutely wonderful,” expressed Christine. During her visit, Christine was able to sign up both children for a special health and dental insurance.

In addition to dentists and hygienists, several dental hygiene students also graciously volunteered on Friday. A professor told ODU senior Irene Tecson, 21, about the opportunity. “It’s rewarding that we can make a big difference in people’s lives,” she expressed. “I hope more dental professionals will understand that there are a lot of people that need our help.”

Erin was one of 172 grateful men, women and children that received 374 free cleanings, extractions and fillings during our 2-day mission. Many impoverished families and individuals in the United States can’t afford dental care; or if they have dental care, they can not afford the co-payment. We agree with dental hygiene senior Lauren Strum who commented, “All of these people that can’t afford dental care still deserve it.”

With this in mind, Operation Blessing has one more dental mission planned this year on November 12-13th in Boone, North Carolina. If you, as a dental professional, are interested in volunteering, please apply today. Also, stay tuned for 2005’s mission schedule. Even if you are not a dental professional, you can join us in providing dental care to the poor by giving a generous gift!