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Dentists to treat hundreds of poor Michiganders at a 2 day event beginning today

Anglin Public Relations

Up to two thousand people will receive free dental care during a two day event in Saginaw.

Today and tomorrow, more than 300 dentists and volunteers will be treating poor Michiganders in need of dental care at Saginaw Valley State University’s Ryder Center.

Patients will receive fillings, extractions, cleanings and other procedures during the two day event.   

Steven Harris is the chairperson of the event. He says the ‘Mission of Mercy’ event is not only intended to provide much needed dental care, but also to dramatize the need for more state funding.

Harris says more dentists would treat Medicaid patients, “But at 28 cents on the dollar….there aren’t too many people who can afford to do that.”

25 other states have held similar ‘Mission of Mercy’ events to treat people in need of basic dental care.

Steve Carmody has been a reporter for Michigan Public since 2005. Steve previously worked at public radio and television stations in Florida, Oklahoma and Kentucky, and also has extensive experience in commercial broadcasting.