‘Essential to oral and overall health’ – Dental clinic helps out in Austin
Published 10:29 am Monday, March 21, 2016
Operation Grace MN, a mobile dental service out of the Twin Cities, stopped for two days in Austin at the Salvation Army, utilizing local dental volunteers. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Some helping hands took part in making Austin area resident’s teeth healthier Friday and Saturday.
The charitable and mobile dental office known as Operation Grace MN came down for the two days out of the Twin Cities to help those who maybe can’t afford or have the means to have their teeth examined.
This marked the first time the service has visited Austin.
The relatively young organization has been traveling to communities for just under two years, according to founder John Braddock.
“There is a huge need,” Braddock said Saturday morning.
The weekend turnout was big as volunteer dental hygienists and dentists from Austin had a steady stream of people coming in to take advantage of the opportunity.
“It’s hard to put into just a few words,” said Schieck Dental hygienist Carol Thomas on being a part of the program. “It means a lot to all of us in the office.”
The partnership between Austin and Operation Grace MN started when Dr. Peter Green of Elrod, Green and Hyland DDS approached the services booth at a dental conference, Star of the North.
“He came to us and said he would like to bring us to Austin,” Braddock said.
Braddock said that most everything is treated including treatments for painful teeth, broken teeth, and abscesses, all the way down to simple cleanings.
“This is essential to oral and overall health,” he said.
Braddock estimates that during a visit to a community the service can see anywhere between 60 and 80 people.
