On November 10, 2011, Medical Teams International supplied urgent dental care to those experiencing homelessness and poverty at as part of the Portland Trailblazers' 16th annual Harvest Dinner. The day-long event provided food and other vital services to 5,000 underserved members of the Portland community.

The Portland-based humanitarian organization sent out 34 volunteers in three of its state-of-the-art mobile dental vans. Medical Teams International volunteer dentists and hygienists provided nearly $27,000 worth of dental services for more than 5,000 patients. Urgent care treatments included extractions, fillings and root canals.

'I haven't seen a dentist in over 10 years since I got out of the Army,' said David, a Mobile Dental patient. 'Being in pain for so long, it's a precious relief to just be seen by a dentist.'

'It's an incredible event,' said Dr. Kris Blodgett, a Mobile Dental volunteer. Despite the long days at his own clinic in Beaverton, Ore., Dr. Blodgett still makes time for the Medical Teams International clinics as he feels that these 'invigorate the soul.'

The Medical Teams International Mobile Dental Program provides free or[...]

[Published in AidNews - Read the original article]