UNC Wilmington Pre-Dental Students Assist with Free Dental Clinic May 1 and 2
Posted: 04-30-2009 : WILMINGTON, N.C.

Wilmington, N.C. - Students with the University of North Carolina Wilmington's pre-dental program will assist local and regional dental professionals in a North Carolina Missions of Mercy dental clinic scheduled for 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, May 1 and 2 at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church, 1401 S. College Road. UNCW pre-dental club students will be on hand to help set up dental equipment on Thursday, April 30 from noon to 5 p.m. They will also assist the dental professionals on the days of the clinic.

The clinic will provide free dental cleanings, fillings and extractions to needy children and adults, those who have no dental insurance and whose family income falls 200% or more below the National Poverty Index. Registration begins at the church at 7 a.m. both days and patients will be served on a first come, first served basis. A similar clinic held in Wilmington in 2006 provided free dental care to 450 patients -over the two-day period.

The event is sponsored by the NC Missions of Mercy, Wilmington Tri-County Dental Society, Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church, Wilmington South Rotary and Cape Fear Memorial Foundation. In 2008, NC Missions of Mercy provided approximately 5,400 patients statewide with free dental treatment valued at $1.7 million. The total number of patients receiving free care since 2003 is in excess of 17,000, with a dollar value of $5 million. For additional information, visit the NC Missions of Mercy Web site at www.ncmissionsofmercy.org.

Members of the media are welcome to attend the initial set up on April 30 and/or the clinic on May 1 and 2. Pre-dental students and representatives with NC Missions of Mercy will be available for interviews and photo opportunities.

Media Contacts:

Through Thursday, April 30: Dana Fischetti, UNCW Media Relations Manager, 910.962.7259 or fischettid@uncw.edu

Friday and Saturday, May 1 and 2: Caroline Cropp, UNCW Marketing and Communications, 910.386.9950 or croppc@uncw.edu

Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church, 910.791.4092

Dr. Robert Plage, participating Wilmington dentist, 910.762.4155