COARSEGOLD — Kids played toss while waiting patiently outside the offices of Coarsegold Dental on Saturday, Nov. 9. Inside, the entire practice was buzzing with activity. For a second year in a row, the team of doctors Kendall, Geyer and Francom, with their colleagues, offered free dental care to the community. In a busy day of donated dentistry, the practice saw 97 individuals and is estimated to have performed over $30,000 in free dental work.
According to office manager Ryan Eckstein, the all-volunteer day is intended to promote good health and good will in the mountain area.
“The doctors wanted to do this because they love the community and the community gives a lot to us by supporting the dental practice,” explains Eckstein. “The doctors all live in Coarsegold and their families are in Coarsegold, so they want to be able to give back to the community in this way.”
The practice is comprised of Dr. Travis Kendall, Dr. Jacob Geyer and Dr. Eric Francom; the office configuration has six procedure rooms, called operatories. All were in full swing on this day of free smiles. Not only was the entire staff in attendance, others volunteered their time in order to help the huge number of people being taken care of in a single day.
“This year each doctor had a room and we had three hygienists for cleanings, too,” Eckstein adds. “We only had two last year. It was a really nice environment to be in. Everybody was very gracious and appreciative of what we were doing.”
Patients moved about for their choice of procedure: cleaning, filling or extraction. Despite any discomfort involved for people, the mood was upbeat. They smiled through their gauze.
“The doctors try to do what people need and see as many people as possible on free dental day. Many people don’t have insurance for dental care and so this is an opportunity to get it done.”
In addition to a day of free dentistry, the Coarsegold practice also offers a pre-paid membership-style “club” that includes two simple cleanings, x-rays, exams and free take-home whitening. The $249 per person program (discount available for additional family members) also comes with a 15% discount for additional dental work required beyond the basics included in the package.
Meanwhile, the doctors, hygienists and staff at Coarsegold Dental are already looking forward to the next time they will volunteer their services, gratis. They say it’s their favorite day of the year.
For more information contact Coarsegold Dental.
