Paul Teague

pteague@newstopic.net

In difficult economic times, individual health has been shown to suffer, particularly when it comes to dental care.

But thanks to the First Baptist Church of Lenoir and the North Carolina Baptist Men's Association, brighter smiles and pain-free teeth were provided recently to nearly 100 children and adults at no charge.

Housed in a modified recreational vehicle, the dental bus stopped off in the church parking lot for three days. Equipped to provide examinations and additional procedures - such as fillings and extractions - seven area dentists volunteered their time, along with local hygienists and 20 church members.

To bring the bus to the area, the church pays a mileage fee and is assessed $7 per patient.

According to Ron Stilwell, who serves as chairman of the church's dental bus project through the organization's Missions Committee, the bus has been coming to Lenoir for the past three years, arriving each March and November. He credits First Baptist Church Senior Minister Dr. David Smith in leading the church's effort to find ways to help out those who need assistance, whether it be keeping the heat on or preventing tooth decay.

"There is a tremendous need," Stilwell said. "There are people who feel the pains daily from toothaches."

Focused primarily on children, Stilwell said the church receives referrals from schools and the Caldwell County Health Department. During the recent stop, approximately 75 children were seen. In addition, 15 adults received services, though Stilwell noted the need far outpaced the number of slots available.

In fact, Stilwell said he already has scheduled appointments through next year and into 2011. He added that the program could not happen without the support of the dentists - Drs. John Davis, James Boggs, Allen Hefner, Wesley Bridges, C.P. Dunbar, Dale Griffith and Howard Fernandez.

"The dentists have to be totally behind the concept," Stilwell said. "Without them, we wouldn't be able to do what we do. We hope that we are in the infancy of this program."