FREE ACCESS: Free dental clinic is Oct. 14 in Dexter

Free and minimal cost dental care is being offered through Saturday at a Dexter church.

A.T. Still University-Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health and its partners have set up at Lighthouse Church, providing care from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

The clinic began on Wednesday and is expected to serve about 200 people, according to organizers.

Dental exams, extractions and pre-prosthetic surgeries are among the procedures offered.

This effort is part of the Smiles of Hope program. Partners for the event also include Affinia Healthcare

Work is done at no cost to veterans and at minimal cost to other patients.

“Too many veterans and civilians in Southeast Missouri have absolutely no resources or access to quality care,” said Kevin DeArman, dental minister, administrator, and coordinator of Smiles of Hope and U.S. Marine veteran. “We are grateful to be working with ATSU-MOSDOH to address the tremendous need for care, which may continue with follow up at the St. Louis Dental Center.”

The St. Louis Dental Center team traveling to Dexter includes faculty and dental students. Additionally, licensed dentists and ATSU-MOSDOH graduates donate their services.

“This is our seventh year of serving veterans in Dexter. More than 85% of veterans do not qualify for dental care through the Veterans Health Administration,” explains Herbert Silva, DMD, assistant professor, comprehensive care director, and leader of the SMILES for Veterans Project at the St. Louis Dental Center. “We work closely with Kevin DeArman to identify patient needs and development treatment plans.”

Freedom Day USA, a national military and veteran thank you event, will also be celebrated during this year’s Dexter Mission, as an opportunity to honor those who have served.