LAWTON Okla_ A mission of
mercy in Oklahoma is in your back yard at the Great
Plains Coliseum in Lawton.
200 dentists, hygienists,
and health care workers from all over the state will take over the Coliseum and
Expo Center to give free dental care to anyone
who needs it, whether they are an adult or child. The free clinic is for people
all over the state.
"We know
that 50% of Comanche
County children don't see
a dentist," Lawton Dentist Dr. Juan Lopez said. "About
55% of adults are at risk due to the lack of dental visits."
In fact, Dr. Lopez
said more than half will visit the clinic in pain. Lawton Dentist Dr. Todd
Bridges is the president of the Dental Association and co-chair of the Mission
of Mercy.
He said
everything is free, including teeth cleaning, fillings, extractions and more. They're
also coordinating with the health department for free immunizations, flu and
booster shots.
"We'll
have a separate family clinic where pediatric or child patients will be seen
with their parents," Dr. Bridges said. "Parents could be in one chair, with the
child in the next chair and mom next door having a filling done."
It's really a
one-stop shop, because Dr. Bridges said they plan to treat every patient. There
will even be entertainment, including choirs and cheerleaders.
The doors open
at 3:00 PM Thursday. They'll put you up overnight in the Expo Center
if you come from a distance.
The actual
clinic begins at 5:00 AM Friday and Saturday through 5:00 PM. It's completely free.
