Preparations under way for free dental clinic in C.R.

Dale Jordan didn't want to miss out on his chance for free dental care.

Camped out with a blanket, cushion, food and water, the 58-year-old Marion man was first in line Thursday, Nov. 4, for the Iowa Mission of Mercy, a day before the event begins.

Volunteers were transforming the U.S. Cellular Center into a field dental clinic, readying 100 dental chairs for patients.

The Mission of Mercy is the state's third free dental clinic in three years.

More than 2,200 Iowans received $1.4 million in free services during the past two clinics in Waterloo and Newton.

As a truck driver for 15 years, Jordan found it difficult to schedule and keep dental appointments, and his insurance covered little.

Now unemployed, but planning to start work soon as a cab driver, he hopes to improve his self-esteem and alleviate the pain he's experienced for years with molar extractions and possibly having broken and missing teeth replaced.

“I have a 6-year-old boy and he's just a happy little guy,” Jordan said. “It'd be nice to be able to smile back at him.”

Organizers expect 1,200 more stories like Jordan's when the free dental clinic begins at 7 a.m. Friday, Nov. 5.

Dr. Richard Hettinger, a Sioux City dentist and chair of the Iowa Mission of Mercy, said more than 1,000 volunteers, including 200 dentists, will be working at the two-day clinic.

“We realize we can't solve the access to care issue in Iowa with events like this,” he said, but the clinic helps in the short-term.

Hettinger said organizers had hoped to come to Cedar Rapids after the 2008 flood, but needed to wait while the center was repaired to offer a venue large enough for the expected crowd.

“That's the singular reason we're in Cedar Rapids this year,” he said. “We wanted to be here sooner.”

Cedar Rapids dentist Dr. Thomas Grimes, the local steering committee chairman, noted there are no income eligibility requirements and no need to pre-register for the care, which includes cleanings, fillings and extractions.

Patients, who are treated first-come, first-served, are allowed to wait in the skywalk so they aren't out in the cold. Parking is free in the ramp next to the center and child care is available, though parents are urged to bring another adult to watch their children while they are being treated.

Organizers are already working on the next Iowa Mission of Mercy, but Hettinger would not say where that will be.

FYI

The Iowa Mission of Mercy offers free dental clinic for all ages.

Services: Cleanings, extractions, fillings, a limited number of root canals and a limited number of partials.

When: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 5 and Saturday, Nov. 6 at the U.S. Cellular Center, 370 First Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids.

Free parking: Five Seasons Parkade next door.

Interpreters will be provided

More information:

www.iowamom.org