Jarell takes a look at his teeth after getting a cleaning at the Operation Blessing free dental mission in Norfolk, Va.

NORFOLK, Va. – It had been two years since Jarell had his teeth cleaned, but the 19-year-old wasn’t too concerned about his oral health.

"I think my teeth are pretty healthy," the Suffolk resident said. "But I know I could take better care of them."

Jarell and his grandmother were able to get a check-up at a free dental mission sponsored by Operation Blessing and Oral Health Care of South Hampton Roads. The mission was held at First Baptist Church in Norfolk last week and was open to the public.

Neither Jarell nor his grandmother have health insurance and that has kept them from making regular appointments for check-ups. The duo took advantage of the health screenings on-site that day to make sure they were in top shape.

Jarell had his blood pressure taken and then was escorted to one of three Navy mobile dental vans where a hygienist cleaned his teeth and gave him tips on how to fight gingivitis.

More than 230 patients were treated during the three-day event thanks to 100 volunteer dentists, hygienists and students.

More than 100 volunteer dentists and hygienists as well as students from the Virginia Beach Technical and Career Educational Center were on-hand to provide care to more than 230 patients during the three-day event. Services provided were valued at $60,000 and included routine cleanings, tooth extractions, x-rays and more.

"The need for dental care is widespread," said Dean Nowotny, senior manager of domestic programs for Operation Blessing. "There are not many avenues to find help with those needs and OBI is working to fill that void."

OBI's state-of-the-art mobile dental clinic was also on-site helping provide cleanings and other oral health care. The OBI van houses two fully-furnished dental rooms, each with x-ray capabilities. It also holds a panoramic x-ray and is handicap accessible via a fully-retractable wheelchair lift.

Apart from this event, the mobile dental clinic is typically available for service three days a week in the local Hampton Roads area.

"There are people with infections and in serious pain who don't have the luxury of going to the neighborhood dentist," Nowotny said. "We want to help meet their needs while putting a new smile of their faces."

Gilbertina looks through a box of reading glasses before she takes her place in line for a free dental check up.

In addition to the dental care, the Lion's Club was on-hand to offer optical services.

After Gilbertina had her eyes examined and picked out a new set of reading glasses, she took her place in line to wait for her dental checkup.

"My teeth need help and my eyes need help," the Norfolk resident said. "This day was a god-send for me."

Gilbertina was recently laid off from her job at Wal Mart and her health insurance ran out.

"All these problems were making me sick," she said. "I can leave here feeling better and with a little more hope."

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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