FLORENCE, SC – On Friday, August 26 and Saturday, August 27, hundreds of dental professionals and lay volunteers are donating their time and talents to provide adults with critical access to dental care services as part of Dental Access Days. The event is hosted by the South Carolina Dental Association and presenting sponsor Delta Dental. The clinic is being held at the Florence Civic Center at 3300 West Radio Drive. The hours are:  Friday, August 26 from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm  Saturday, August 27 from 6:00 am to 3:00 pm.

Dental care is provided only for adults aged 18 and older. All patients will receive x-rays and will be evaluated by dental professionals in an effort to determine the type of care that is most needed. From there, patients receive one service – a professional cleaning, an extraction or restorative care (i.e. fillings). Dentures are not provided. Hundreds of non-clinical volunteers from the Florence community are assisting with registering and escorting patients through each step of the process.

DentaQuest and numerous other dental companies help sponsor the event with funding and equipment. All patients are given helpful tips for establishing and maintaining a healthy mouth, along with complimentary dental supplies, including toothpaste, a toothbrush and dental floss. Care is provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Patients should expect long lines and long wait times. A tent will be setup outside the Civic Center to serve as a waiting area until the line reaches the door. Water will be provided, but food is not, so patients should plan to bring light snacks as well as a portable chair and sun protection to be used until they reach the inside of the building.

Since its inception in 2009, Dental Access Days has provided more than 10,000 adults with $6 million in free dental care. Organizers expect to treat more than 1,000 individuals during this year’s event. “By serving others at Dental Access Days each year, we are helping solve a critical problem in South Carolina,” said Phil Latham, executive director of the South Carolina Dental Association. “There is an immense lack of dental care in this state. We are proud to offer free cleanings and restorative services to people who may not have otherwise received them. Thanks to our volunteers and sponsors, we can provide some relief to those who need it.” “Delta Dental is committed to improving oral health in the U.S.,” said Spann Laffitte, vice president of sales and account management for Delta Dental South Carolina. “It is so rewarding to witness the services provided at Dental Access Days changing people’s lives. We are happy to offer our support to such a deserving program.”

For more information on Dental Access Days, visit the South Carolina Dental Association website at www.scda.org. For more information on Delta Dental, call 1-800-529-3268 or visit www.deltadentalsc.com.-This information is from a Press Release.