GREENVILLE, SC – More than 1,500 patients received an estimated $1 million in free dental services at the seventh annual Dental Access Days event held on August 21 and 22 at the TD Convention Center in Greenville.

Dental Access Days is organized by the South Carolina Dental Association and sponsored by Delta Dental. Over a period of 26 hours, more than 200 clinical volunteers delivered a range of services including x-rays, professional cleanings, extractions and restorative care (i.e. fillings). Clinical volunteers included dentists, periodontists, oral surgeons, endodontists, dental hygienists, assistants and students from the dental school at the Medical University of South Carolina.

More than 400 non-clinical volunteers, most of them members of Grace Church in Greenville, helped with registering and escorting patients through each step of the process. Numerous local businesses and dental companies helped sponsor the event with funding and equipment.

In addition to dental services, all patients received helpful tips for establishing and maintaining a healthy mouth, along with complimentary dental supplies, including toothpaste, a toothbrush and dental floss.

Including this year, Dental Access Days has provided more than 10,000 adults with over $6 million in free dental care since the event’s inception in 2009.

“Once again, the impact of Dental Access Days has exceeded our expectations,” said Phil Latham, executive director of the South Carolina Dental Association. “Each year, we are reminded that this event is about much more than the number of people treated. It is so fulfilling to be able to make a difference for those without access to dental care, whether that is easing their pain or giving them newfound confidence to smile.”

“We were happy to lend our support as the lead sponsor of Dental Access Days again this year,” said Spann Laffitte, vice president of sales and account management for Delta Dental. “As a nonprofit organization, our company has a social mission to improve oral health in the communities we serve, and this year’s event once again reminded us of the importance of helping our fellow citizens receive access to these critical dental services.”

Notes posted on the event’s “wall of thanks” included some of the following comments from patients:
• “Thank you so much! I was really uncomfortable with my front teeth but thanks to you I can smile again.”
• “Thank you seems so inadequate when someone changes your life and asks for nothing in return.”
• “My husband has not been able to see a dentist for over 30 years – thank you and God bless you all!”
• “You guys are awesome. I’m going to be able to eat fruit again.”
• “I had a good experience and I feel so much better.”
• “Before coming here I was terrified of a dentist. But after an amazing experience I am no longer scared. Thank you.”
• “My dentist was so wonderful. I have a whole new outlook on life and can finally smile.”

For more information on the South Carolina Dental Association, visit www.scda.org.

For more information on Delta Dental, visit www.deltadentalsc.com.