More than 800 Patients Receive Free Dental Care at One-Day Clinic
Value of Services Estimated at Over $600,000

COLUMBIA, SC (Aug. 18, 2017) - More than 800 patients received an estimated $600,000 in free dental services at the ninth annual Dental Access Day (DAD) event held from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. today at the SC State Fairgrounds. 

Dental Access Day is a day-long free dental clinic hosted by the South Carolina Dental Association (SCDA) that provides individuals in need with critical access to free dental care. It is an annual event in different parts of the state that is made possible by the generous sponsorship of Delta Dental of South Carolina and other companies.

Over a 12-hour period, hundreds of clinical volunteers delivered a range of services to patients, including x-rays, professional cleanings, extractions, and restorative care (i.e., fillings). Clinical volunteers included dentists, hygienists and dental students. 

The SCDA has provided over 12,000 people with $6.8 million in free services since the first free dental clinic in 2009. 

“By serving others at Dental Access Days each year, we are helping solve a critical problem in South Carolina,” said Phil Latham, SCDA Executive Director. “There is an immense lack of dental care in this state. We are proud to offer free cleanings and restorative services to people who may not otherwise receive them. Thanks to our volunteers and sponsors, we can provide some relief to those who need it,” he added.

“The SCDA and the dental professionals who deliver the donated care deserve the greatest recognition for all of their tireless work,” said Rob Goren, president and CEO of Delta Dental of Missouri, which does business in South Carolina as Delta Dental of South Carolina. “We’ve been humbled to be involved with this clinic as a sponsor since 2012. And, we’re proud to donate financial resources to help make dental care available to everyone, especially those who need it the most,” he said.  

“This clinic is a lifeline to vital dental care for so many of our neighbors,” said Spann Laffitte, vice president of sales and account management at Delta Dental of South Carolina. “It not only gives care—it gives hope.”   

Established in 1869, the South Carolina Dental Association is a non-profit organization and a leader in the promotion of oral healthcare excellence and the advancement of the profession of dentistry in South Carolina, representing and serving 2,000 member dentists in the state. For more information about the South Carolina Dental Association, visit www.scda.org.

For more information about Delta Dental of South Carolina, visit www.deltadentalsc.com.