Forty dental chairs will fill A-B Tech’s gym in the Coman Student Center awaiting patients in need of a cleaning, fillings, and other dental services.

Staff Reports

The North Carolina Dental Society will bring its Missions of Mercy (MOM), a free dental clinic for the community, to AB Tech’s Asheville campus from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. August 13 and 14.

In addition to the state Dental Society and AB Tech, the clinic is offered in conjunction with the local Dental Society, Eblen Charities, Asheville-Buncombe Community Christian Ministry, and others. More than 40 dentists will volunteer their services, along with dozens of hygienists, assistants, lab technicians, students, and members of the general public. The volunteers are expected to provide dental care worth $350,000 to $400,000 for to up to 1,000 people during the two-day event.

Missions of Mercy is a grassroots effort that depends on volunteers, with funding from grants and donations. Since its beginning seven years ago, the program has received national recognition.

“For years, AB Tech and the AB Tech Foundation have worked diligently to make our community a better place to live and work. AB Tech’s willingness to host this event is but another example of the concern and commitment that the college has for our community,” said Dr. Jack Teague, III, an Asheville dentist and MOM steering committee chair.

“More dentists have signed up for the Asheville event than any other MOM. The North Carolina Dental Society is extremely grateful to all those who are involved. It will be a wonderful event to help those in need and the less fortunate within our area,” Teague said.

To learn more about receiving treatment or serving as a volunteer during the AB Tech clinic, visit www.ncdental.org/ncds/NCMOM .