Mobile dental clinic gives free care

The Mobile Dental Clinic from Medical Teams International will be returning to Orcas on Dec. 7 and 8. There will be an oral surgeon available on Saturday.  All patients who have complicated extractions or wisdom teeth extractions pending should have applications for appointments as soon as possible. Call Rita Bailey at 376-6264.

The clinic will provide free care to qualifying community members. Applications are available on line at www.oicf.us, or can be picked up at the food bank, Orcas Family Connections or the county health office at the senior center.

Applications will be reviewed and prioritized based on severity of dental needs and pain. Completed applications can be dropped off in the dental box outside the public library. If you have questions regarding the application, contact Barbara Ehrmantraut at 376-3395.

This is the fourth clinic of 2012 funded through the Orcas Island Community Foundation. So far, more than 95 community members have received dental care on the van.

All three island dentists and staffs volunteer to provide care and the Orcas Lions, Orcas Angels and Odd Fellows provide check in support. The Orcas Community Church is hosting the van and housing for the van drivers and off island volunteers has been contributed by the Gudgell family and Camp Orkila. Senator Kevin Ranker is helping to cover the ferry costs for this trip.

Breakfast snacks and lunch for the volunteers are needed on both days; to contribute, contact the Orcas Island Community Foundation, 376-6423.

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