Bright smiling faces were given to many on Friday as the staff of the West Louisiana Dental Center (WLDC) spent the day providing free dental care to residents in Vernon Parish who are normally unable to go to a dentist due to economic boundaries.
The staff of WLDC, led by Dr. Mike Hennessee, donate their services each December to bring quality dental care to the neediest patients in the area. Each year WLDC pledges to provide free dental services to 100 patients on a first come, first served basis. Lines begin forming early in the morning as residents hope to receive one of the numbers which are passed out at 7 a.m.
“We had two people who were here at 11:30 p.m. last night (Thursday night),” said T.C. Williams of WLDC. “The bulk of the people arrived between 2 and 3 a.m. and waited in the freezing cold.”
By lunch time on Friday, more than 50 patients had been seen, but the staff wasn’t slowing down any. Pacing patient care was one of the priorities to ensure that all who had received numbers received care.
Two other dentists, Drs. Erika Graham and Kevin Hamilton, worked alongside Hennessee Friday performing extractions, fillings and general dentistry all day at a quickening pace.
They were supported by a team of four hygienists, Tracy "T.C." Williams, Janice Smithkors, Mary Rowland and Danielle Carter, along with countless assistants who did everything from assisting in x-ray, providing supplies and everything else that was needed.
“This has been another successful year,” said Williams.
Each of the employees came to work ready for a long and hard day and that is what they found, said Williams. The bitter cold didn’t deter people from seeking the dental services and the team of WLDC had their A-game on.
“This is always a long day, but a very rewarding one,” said Williams.
Leesville, La. —
