Dr. Manasan and OBI staff dental assistant, Oscar Marcano, perform a cleaning for a patient.

OBI's mobile dental van parks outside the Judeo Christian Outreach Center for a full day's work.

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - For residents in the Hampton Roads community of Virginia, battling poor dental hygiene is no laughing matter. But Operation Blessing’s mobile dental van and staff are giving many a reason to smile.

The mission of this dental office on wheels is to provide free services for those unable to afford dental care. On average, these one-day medical missions staffed by a volunteer dentist and OBI coordinator treat 10-12 patients and perform a range of services that include dental cleaning, tooth extraction, fillings, composite restorations and oral hygiene instruction.

“We try and address the major concerns,” said Dr. Manasan, an Army captain and volunteer dentist with Operation Blessing.

In addressing major concerns, OBI is providing thousands of dollars in free dental services to those in need. In one medical mission to the Judeo Christian Outreach Center in Virginia Beach, OBI treated 12 patients and provided services valued at $6,409.00.

But by the day’s end, the real value was not in the services provided, but seeing patients walk away with a bright smile and renewed confidence.

“I could tell they care,” said Joyce, who received a composite restoration to restore a missing front tooth. “My teeth look good and now I can wear all my pretty-colored lipstick,” she said with a grin.

In addition to the mobile van, OBI participates in larger scale dental missions. In December 2005, they partnered with Oral Health Improvement Coalition of South Hampton Roads and nearly 100 dental professionals to bring free dental services to 148 patients.

After two full days of x-rays, fillings, extractions and cleanings, the volunteer group of dentists, oral surgeons, hygienists and assistants provided services valued at $43,136; an average of nearly $300 per person.

“This is just a blessing,” one patient said. “I think every time you help someone, something good comes about – and this is something good for me."

HOW YOU CAN HELP
Be a part of OBI's ongoing medical relief efforts by making an online contribution to help those suffering from extreme poverty and sickness.

 

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