Free dental clinic draws hundreds

People often drag their feet when it comes to visiting the dentist.

But that wasn't the case in Papillion on Friday.

More than two dozen people camped out overnight Thursday outside Papillion-La Vista South High School to be first in line for free dental care Friday morning.

The service was offered from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and will be provided the same time today at the school, 10799 Highway 370.

More than 800 people were treated Friday with patients driving from as far as three hours away to get care. One patient came from Kansas.

About 140 dentists volunteered their time, said Dr. Brett Thomsen, an organizer.

The clinic, sponsored by the Nebraska Dental Association and Nebraska Dental Foundation, was aimed at low-income people and those without insurance. It's open to children and adults. Childcare is available.

Stephen Scott and his wife, Dawn, slept in their car overnight Thursday to be among the first in line.

They talked to pass the time and ran the car's air-conditioner to stay cool. But it was tough to sleep much.

Others who stayed overnight tried to sleep in lawn chairs. One woman had a cot. Scott said it looked like some people were in pain from teeth problems and couldn't sleep.

He said he and his wife, who are from North Loup, Neb., work part time and don't have dental insurance.

Scott had his teeth cleaned, and his wife needed a root canal. He said it was worth the three-hour drive.

Patients saved significant money at the clinic. A root canal costs $600 to $800 without insurance.

Lack of dental insurance and access to care are serious problems, Thomsen said. People who can't afford a dentist put off taking care of their teeth, which can lead to health problems.

Gum disease, for example, can lead to bloodstream infections and heart problems. For kids, toothaches and other problems can interfere with school work because they can't concentrate or don't get enough sleep.

While eight of 10 Americans say taking care of their mouth, teeth and gums is “absolutely needed,” only one-third of them say they do an “excellent” job taking care of them, according to the American Dental Association.

This is the first time the dental organizations have offered the free clinic in the Omaha area. It has been offered the past four years at Grand Island, Norfolk and other cities.