MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — For Dr. Grant Ringler and dozens of local health care professionals, one Saturday each year is devoted entirely to serving neighbors who might otherwise go without dental care.
Grace Dental Day returns Saturday, Sept. 26, at Ringler’s office, 3008 Garden Grove Parkway in Hutchinson. The event will provide free dental services for adults and older teenagers who lack insurance or cannot afford treatment.
“We’re there to help patients with their dental needs,” Ringler said during an interview on the BW Morning Show. “This is to serve our community, and we are thrilled to be able to help people.”
About 60 volunteers are expected to participate, including dentists, oral surgeons, hygienists and dental assistants. The team will include local oral surgeons Dr. Dye and Dr. Omole, along with Dr. Lily Townes, Dr. Justin Barnhart and Dr. Melissa Barnhart.
Patients may receive extractions, fillings or cleanings, depending on their most urgent needs. Organizers will establish registration, triage and waiting tents outside the office.
During triage, medical personnel will check each patient’s blood pressure, conduct an examination and determine which service is needed most. No driver’s license is required, although patients must complete registration and consent forms.
Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. and will remain open until about 3:30 p.m. Treatment is expected to continue until approximately 5 p.m.
Spanish-language interpreters will be available throughout the day. Ringler said Spanish-speaking residents represented roughly 30% to 35% of the patients served during last year’s event.
“We love being able to treat them as well,” Ringler said. “It’s really a great opportunity to help people in need.”
Grace Dental Day is being held in conjunction with Grace Health Day at nearby Grace Bible Church. The church event will offer free preventive health services, including vision screenings, counseling and haircuts.
Organizers are asking participants to park at Grace Bible Church. Golf carts will transport patients between the church and Ringler’s office. People may also be dropped off at the dental office before their drivers park at the church.
Free antibiotics and ibuprofen will also be available for patients who need medication following treatment through a partnership with The Medicine Shoppe.
Ringler estimates the volunteers typically provide between $55,000 and $65,000 worth of free dentistry during the event. However, he said the day is not about the monetary value of the work.
“There are many who come in with tremendous needs, and we get a lot of hugs that day,” Ringler said. “We’re there just to serve.”
Although the event is primarily designed for adults, Ringler said organizers will try to assist teenagers with significant dental needs.
For the volunteers, the event is an opportunity to use their professional skills to make a direct difference in their community.
“Everybody is just giving of themselves to serve our community,” Ringler said. “It’s our pleasure to serve, and we just want to help people.”