Arizona Mission of Mercy event provides treatment to over 1,700

Open wide: Dr. Patrick G. Martin examines a patient at the Arizona Mission of Mercy event in Phoenix.

Phoenix — The Central Arizona Dental Society hosted a Mission of Mercy event Dec. 13-14 at the Arizona State Fairgrounds in Phoenix, providing treatment to 1,785 patients totaling just over $2 million in free dental service. Procedures included oral surgery, tooth cleanings, root canals, fillings and dentures.

This is the eighth year that the Central Arizona Dental Society has held the event. Some 1,500 volunteers were present at the 100-chair clinic, among them 300 dentists, 200 assistants and 175 hygienists.

The society’s next event is scheduled from Jan. 23-24, the Maricopa County StandDown in Phoenix. This event provides free dental care for military veterans.