A Conversation with Spann Laffitte of Delta Dental of South Carolina

H. Spann Laffitte, Jr. is vice president of sales and account management at Delta Dental of South Carolina, a dental benefits leader and a non-profit organization with a social mission to improve oral health in the communities it serves.

 

MidlandsBiz:
We understand that your organization is involved with an upcoming free dental clinic in Columbia this coming Friday, August 18. Can you tell us more about that?

Spann Laffitte:
Yes, we’re privileged to offer our continuing support at Dental Access Day again this year—this time in Columbia. It’s a day-long dental clinic, hosted by the South Carolina Dental Association (SCDA), which provides individuals in need with critical access to free dental care. It’s an annual event, held in different parts of the state each year, and this year, the clinic will be held at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds in Columbia.

MidlandsBiz:
Can you give us more specifics about this free dental clinic?

Spann Laffitte:
It’s first-come, first-served from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, August 18^th, at the fairgrounds. It will be in the Goodman and Cantey Buildings, and patients must enter Gate 6.

MidlandsBiz:
What services are provided during the free dental clinic?

Spann Laffitte:
Once patients are x-rayed, there are three main dental services that are provided. Due to volume, these services are limited to one per person.

1. Teeth Cleaning
2. Extractions (i.e., teeth pulling)
3. Restorative Care (e.g., fillings)

MidlandsBiz:
We understand that Delta Dental of South Carolina has been a sponsor in the past as well.

Spann Laffitte:
Yes, we were so happy to become involved in this amazing event as a sponsor in 2012, and we’ve been the lead sponsor since 2013. Our mission to improve oral health for those we serve is at the heart of our support of this event. We’re proud to give financial resources to help make access to dental care available to everyone, especially those who need it the most.

MidlandsBiz:
How many people do you expect to receive free dental care during the clinic?

Spann Laffitte:
We anticipate between 800 and 1,000 adults this year.

MidlandsBiz:
Hundreds of volunteers must be needed to coordinate a free clinic of this magnitude.

Spann Laffitte:
Absolutely. Each year the South Carolina Dental Association brings together several hundred clinical volunteers for the event. The SCDA and the volunteer dental care professionals who deliver the donated care deserve the greatest thanks and recognition for all of their tireless work. They relieve the pain and improve the smiles, the self-esteem, and quality of life for so many in our state. This event truly changes lives. And Delta Dental of South Carolina is humbled to be part of it.

MidlandsBiz:
Where can folks go for more information?

Spann Laffitte
To learn more about the free dental clinic, call the SCDA at 803.750.2277, visit www.scda.org, find them on Facebook @SC Dental, or follow them on Twitter @SCDentalAssoc. For more information about Delta Dental of South Carolina, visit www.deltadentalsc.com.

MidlandsBiz:
This type of free dental care must be so important to those who can’t otherwise access it.

Spann Laffitte:
It really is. This clinic is a lifeline to the critical dental care that so many of our neighbors desperately need. We’ve seen its impact first-hand in the faces of patients after they get treatment. Watching the relief that comes with being able to eat and drink without pain. Seeing them smile with more confidence. And reading the handwritten notes they write to thank the dental volunteers for such compassionate care.

All of this reminds us just how important this free annual clinic is for those in need. It not only gives care—it gives hope.