Dental News - AGD and AGD Foundation provide free oral health care in New Orleans

Academy of General Dentistry

Mon. 2 August 2010

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CHICAGO, IL / NEW YORK, NY, USA: The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) and the AGD Foundation recently teamed up with the Louisiana State University (LSU) School of Dentistry to hold an outreach project. The event provided underserved residents of New Orleans, LA, with free dental care from volunteer dentists, hygienists and dental assistants from around the nation.

The event, called Nation of Smiles, One Smile at a Time, was the first of its kind for both the AGD and the AGD Foundation. It brought together more than 140 volunteers from around the country and provided care for 181 patients from New Orleans. Patients received a wide range of treatments, from extractions to restorations.

Upon reviewing the procedures that were completed that day, and based on a general range of fees accepted for each procedure, it is estimated that between US$70,000 and US$100,000 of free oral health care was given, averaging approximately US$500 per patient.

“It is difficult to put a price on giving back to a vibrant community such as New Orleans, and it was our pleasure to be there for the AGD’s first outreach program,” said AGD President Fares Elias, DDS, JD, FAGD. “Our members went above and beyond to ensure that each patient received quality care, and it was an immense honor to treat the patients at LSU’s facility.”

Patients were scheduled for treatment through multiple charitable New Orleans organizations, including the Ozanam Inn, Grace House and Dream Center and its affiliates. In addition to supplying free care, the AGD is now responding to requests from some patients who are interested in follow-up and post-operative care.

“Being able to provide the residents of New Orleans with a new outlook on their oral health is one of the most rewarding elements of this project,” said AGD Foundation Immediate Past President Mark Buczko. “Some patients reported not visiting the dentist for more than 20 years, and spearheading a project that has opened patients’ eyes to quality, accessible care is what the AGD Foundation is all about.”

The outreach event in New Orleans was held on Thursday, 8 July.

(Edited by Fred Michmershuizen, DTA)

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