By Patty Huston-Holm
Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Use alcohol-free mouthwash afterwards – not before. Floss daily to remove food particles.
The quick message is “floss, rinse, brush,” according to Dr. Stephen Smith, a retired dentist from Morehead City.
In the last weekend of March, he made his seventh Ocracoke Island trip as part of the Baptists on Mission Dental Ministry, which provided a free dental clinic.
Accompanying him were 15 volunteers, including Dr. Jeff Scott, a dentist from Cape Carteret, Pastor K.J. Ellington of Avon and Krissy Watson, the clinic coordinator. Islanders Meredith Wynn and Kristin Chatham coordinated the visit.
From within a large mobile unit parked behind the Ocracoke Volunteer Fire Department, 68 men, women and children received tooth cleaning, fillings and extractions.
The mobile units, drivers and hosts are provided by Baptists on Mission while dentists, dental assistants and hygienists volunteered their time, providing about $21,000 of dental care at no cost to recipients.
The March 28 to 29 visit was sponsored by the North Caroline’s Northeast Rotary District 7720 and First Flight Rotary of Kill Devil Hills under the Baptists on Mission non-profit. Local contributors included the Anchorage Inn, which donated 11 rooms.
The non-profit organization supports free dental care 180 days a year to areas throughout North Carolina where access to such services is scarce. Dental service to the island started after Hurricane Dorian (September 2019) elevated awareness of a hardship for Ocracoke residents to receive dental care. Since 2020, the dental ministry has provided services once or twice a year.
“From a religious perspective, the Bible has many examples of why we should do this,” Ellington said. “Jesus ministered to people’s physical needs. We are here as doers and not just hearers.”
“We are paid in thank-yous,” said Becky Moore, one of two volunteer dental hygienists.
Dr. Smith echoed her words, adding, “We are helping people who need help. It’s that simple.”
In addition to a message of good-tooth health practices, the dentist sometimes shares how teeth and gum health impact the rest of the body. Periodontal disease can have systemic effects, potentially increasing the risk of heart disease, diabetes, respiratory issues and certain cancers.
The next nearest free clinic will be in Avon in November. Reservations can be made by calling Watson at 919-459-5603.
