The Sandy (Ore.) Church provided a total of 86 adults and children with free dental care on Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018. Church members and other volunteers from the community partnered with volunteer dentists, dental hygienists and dental assistants to offer dental exams with X-rays, dental cleanings, fillings and extractions with a combined estimated value of $37,300. The dental equipment and chairs were provided by Caring Hands Worldwide, a charitable organization with headquarters in Lowell, Ore., and founded by Adventist church members Cedric and Julie Hayden.
Community members learned of the event through invitations from church members, social media, and promotional flyers and posters. Tami Beaty, event organizer, distributed flyers and posters to local social services agencies, schools, a food bank, libraries and medical clinics. Flyers also went to 4,000 homes through the local newspaper.
At the end of the day, patients and volunteers felt blessed. Patients received 51 extractions, 47 fillings and 37 cleanings. Many commented on the kindness of the volunteers and quality of the care provided by the dental professionals.
A comment made by a Sandy Church member and volunteer Sharon Peil echoed that of many others who served: “It was an incredible undertaking. I stood in awe as I went from area to area with the amount of detail and organization of everything. What a blessing it was for me to be able to participate. Let’s plan for another.”
A free dental clinic held at the Sandy Church.
