Free dental event can put a smile on many faces

As your state Senator, I would like to take this opportunity to inform area residents about a great event coming up at the end of the month.

On June 25 and 26, the Wisconsin Dental Association (WDA) and WDA Foundation are teaming up for the second annual Mission of Mercy, also known as MOM, to provide an estimated $1 million in free dental care to 2,000 area children and adults! Read on to learn more about this exciting opportunity.

What: WDA Mission of Mercy Date: Friday, June 25, and Saturday, June 26, 2010

Location: Sheboygan North High School, 1042 School Ave. in Sheboygan

Time: Doors open at 6 a.m. Patients are seen on a first-come, first-served basis with a maximum of 1,000 patients seen each day. Come early! The day’s quota is typically reached by 10 a.m.

Who: Adults and children of all ages who are uninsured, underinsured or otherwise unable to visit a dental office and do not have a medically compromising condition that prohibits receiving care are welcome. Please note that children under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Care: Cleanings, fillings and limited treatment partials are offered. All work is provided for free.

A team of almost 1,000 volunteers is donating time and skills to make this event possible, including 175 dentists, dental hygienists and assistants, Marquette School of Dentistry students and community members. The WDA has received $185,000 in financial donations and in-kind contributions to help make this day a success.

If you have difficulty affording dental care for you or your family, I would encourage you to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity. I look forward to stopping by the event to talk with area residents, and to offer my thanks to the hundreds of volunteers who are taking time out of their weekends to serve those in need. Visit http://www.wda.org/categories/46-mission-of-mercy to learn more.

So plan on stopping by! It could be just the thing you need to put a smile on your face.

As always, it has been a pleasure communicating with you. Please remember to communicate with me and share your input by calling (888) 295-8750, writing to me at P.O. Box 7882, Madison, WI 53707-7882, or by e-mailing me at Sen.Leibham@legis. wisconsin.gov. You can also logon to the 9th Senate District online office at www.leibhamsenate.com.

It is an honor representing the residents of the 9th District in the state Senate!