Free dental van needs more dentists

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Story Published: Jul 21, 2008 at 3:56 PM PDT

By Azenith Smith

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COOS BAY - It's a program that provides free dental service to hundreds of people on the South Coast, who don't have adequate medical insurance. But, now, it's in need of more help to meet growing demand.

Sponsored by Oregon Coast Community Action, a mobile dental van visits the area several times throughout the year, serving 10 patients at a time.

It's a full service clinic that provides x-rays, fillings and extractions.

But, just recently, the waiting list has grown to more than 125 patients, with not enough dentists and trained support staff to help.

"Teeth get so bad because of the wait people have to go through," says Bob More, director of housing and emergency services for Oregon Coast Community Action, "By the time they do get to the dental van, most of what happens is extractions. That's an unfortunate consequence of the lack of dental health coverage for low income folks."

So, they're hoping more people will step forward to give a helping hand and join their big community effort that's made this help possible so far.

"We've got a partnership with a Longshoreman Union," says More. "The help put up the money, and we've got Community Action. We pay for the staff involved so all the money goes to pay for services."

To help, call Oregon Coast Community Action at (541) 888-7023. Their next service day in the area is Friday.

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