Dentists, volunteers provide free dental services in El Paso

Texas Mission of Mercy provided free dental care Friday morning at the Jefferson High School gymnasium to residents in the borderland.

More than 60 volunteer dentists from all over the state, and 300 volunteers from around the community, showed up to provide free dental services to more than 500 people.

Orthodontist and volunteer Sylvia Menendez said, “There’s a big need especially for adults. There isn’t good dental insurance available for low-income people. There’s no help from the state.”

Dental services including fillings, extractions, partials and cleanings were available to anyone who showed up. People started lining up around 5:00 A.M. and doors opened at 6:30 A.M.

Fernie Jimenez was among those who waited in line for dental care. “It’s a huge blessing,” he said, “It’s humbling to see so many people come together to help those that are in need, people that can’t afford it and really do need it.”

The last time this service was offered was in 2003.

When asked why it took so long to bring this event back to the borderland, Dr. Menedez said, “It’s expensive. You need about $60,000 to raise and you need to have a lot of involvement and time, and a lot of times, we as dentists, have business schedules and it’s hard to make the time to meet monthly, go ask for donations. All this takes a lot of work.”

The event was a partnership between the El Paso District Dental Society, Texas Dental Association’s Smiles Foundation and the Paso del Norte Charitable Foundation.

It was on a first come, first serve basis and it took patients until they were up to capacity.

If you missed it today, the event will continue tomorrow. The doors open at 6:30 A.M. at 121 Val Verde St. Those planning to attend must bring their current medications.