Free dental clinic in Wilmington

WILMINGTON -- We all know how important it is to take good care of our teeth, but some people simply don't have the means to get annual check ups.

This is Zenia Ward's second year going to the free dental clinic in Wilmington. This time she is leaving with two less teeth.

Ward said, "Last year when I came, I was too scared to do it. This year I went ahead and got it done. It didn't really hurt at all, so I was very surprised."

No matter what the dental problem doctors and volunteers helped deliver solutions.

Dndodontist Dr. Al Roseman said, "We provide here examinations, which is part of triage, restorative procedures. We are providing profalactus, which are known as cleanings and extractions."

Grey Wilson had an alternative motive for volunteering: the clinic is good practice before starting dental school at Chapel Hill.

Wilson said, "I knew that if I really wanted to think about doing this for a career, I needed to be around it and see if I enjoyed it. And luckily I have. I've always felt the need to give back because I feel I've been blessed in my own life."

And for those taking advantage of the free services they left with an important lesson.

John Ward said, "I need to take better care of my teeth, because in many years I will be needing them."

The clinic is going on Saturday from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. behind the Wesley Memorial Church on College Road in Wilmington.