Dentistry from the heart event was very well attended and patiEnts received the dentistRy they needed

There is growing evidence to support the fact that lack of health care benefits can cost lives. A new study found 45,000 Americans a year die because they don’t have health insurance. That means 1 each 12 minutes. They cannot get good care. Research has found that 64 years and younger adults without health insurance have a 40% greater chance of dying than those with insurance. These are staggering statistics that hit home with Michigan’s jobless rates still climbing. A local Howell Dentist did his part to help lower these statistics by hosting a free dental care clinic this past Saturday.

A free dental clinic hosted about 250 people and helped them to get the dental care they need. Dr. Thomas Kellogg and staff accompanied by friends and family opened their doors Saturday to those in need and don’t have insurance. They pulled, cleaned and even filled teeth. All in all we treated over 60 patients. Everyone worked diligently trying to treat as many patients as possible. After the event Dr. Kellogg was heard saying “I only wish we could see all the people who stayed.” Dr. Kellogg believes the events response proves that there is a great need for this type of event and he challenges other dentists to consider this needed service.

“We have seen a lot of people who have lost their jobs and benefits. We want to be here to help” Said Beth Roland employee of Dr. Kellogg.

The Idea came as a result of a request from a long time patients Dennis and Karen Willims. About nine months ago they asked Dr. Kellogg’s staff about options for their grandchildren that had no insurance, had never been to the dentist, parents were out of work, and could not afford needed dental visits. They contacted state agencies and had no luck.  The staff approached Dr. Kellogg and today we are here.

“I challenge other dentists to do this kind of thing. It’s great! There are so many people who have lost their jobs and cannot afford to fix their teeth and be comfortable without dental pain. Dental pain can be disabling, it is horrible to have to go without treatment. The timing is right for this kind of event now. Anyone can help. It feels really good to see these people smile again. ”

A patient at the event said “I needed help; I have a cavity and need a filling. I didn’t have the money to do it. Where it is offered for free to someone like me, I have to take advantage of it. I have two kids and my husband is laid off. I have to save my money for the kids.

Along with free dental care there was music, raffles, prizes, and free food. “We feel the people needed a break as well and we wanted to show them that we really cared” said Sarah Tottingham, marketing director for Dr. Kellogg.

We teamed up with Dentistry From The Heart, a national group of Dentists who have a heart for helping others. The organization helps support, promote and start up these local events. They worked with us to help with the logistics, things we did not think about like parking, staffing the event, and how to get the word out. It all came together and really turned out to be a wonderful event.

Everyone was so appreciative. Many stayed the whole day enjoying the music, food and networking with each other and the volunteers from Women’s Resource Center, Shepherd of the Lakes Church, Family Impact Center Fowlerville, Heart of the Shepherd, YMCA, Cornerstone, Hidden Springs Church, Gleaners and Love Inc. Some helped us see other patients after they were seen.  In all we had over 50 volunteers, and many many businesses and agencies that really made the event a huge success.

Dr Kellogg and the Howell Dental Center would like to offer special thanks to all who donated goods and services to help make the event possible:

Thro you hands up entertainment, Staples, Costco, Vg's, Marco’s, Guss's, Clearys, Howell police department, Michaels, St. Joseph hospital, Richard Lim Photography, Ross Medical School, Dr. Walter Godell,  the many local businesses that allowed us to use their offices for parking. And all the volunteers, who gave of themselves, a whole day, serving our community.

For questions about hosting an event like this or about the event Dr. Kellogg can be reached at Smilmkr@sbcglobal.net or 517-546-3330

Smilemaker.org website