Doctors offering 'Misson of Mercy' for dental patients

While viewing a "Mission of Mercy" video from Kansas, Dr. Bill Graves of McCook became excited about the possibility of a free dental clinic in this area. "There were hundreds of people taking part. I immediately saw how much good could be done if dental professionals and community volunteers worked together."

For that reason, Dr. Graves readily agreed to help when asked to volunteer for the first-ever Nebraska Mission of Mercy on Friday, Oct. 21, and Saturday, Oct. 22, at the D&N Event Center in North Platte.

Dr. Graves will be taking part in the clinic Oct. 21, and will also be raising money locally to help with the free dental services. "I've been practicing dentistry for 36 years, and this is the first time I've known of an event of this kind in the area," he said. "It's a great opportunity for dentists and their staffs to give back to their communities."

Those who cannot afford dentistry in any other way will be served by the free clinic, which will be offered from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both Oct. 21 and Oct. 22. The focus at the clinic will be on pain relief, including fillings, cleanings and treatment for toothaches. More intensive treatments -- such as root canals, crowns and dentures -- will not be provided.

Still, Dr. Graves sees it as a much needed service for those who have had to go without dental service because of lack of money or insurance.

Services will be offered on a first come, first serve basis for those who show up at the D&N Event Center, located at 501 East Walker Road in North Platte. "If the response is like it has been in other states, people will even be coming from other states for dental help," Dr. Graves said.

By giving back, Dr. Graves said dentists will be getting more back in personal satisfaction than they give away in free services. "We found that out in McCook when Dr. Baltzell was struck by cancer. We filled in for him, which showed us the satisfaction of giving back."

Those wishing more information on the free clinic may contact the Nebraska Dental Association at (402) 476-1704. "I'm proud of the dental profession for starting the Mission of Mercy program," Dr. Graves said. "It has been well received in other areas, and I believe it will be a successful program in Nebraska as well."