A one-day, all-out effort to address a major community health concern aims to put a smile on the faces of people in need.

The Dental Day of Caring, spearheaded by Family Health Center in partnership with United Way, will deliver free basic dental care for up to 450 uninsured adults from across Kalamazoo County in a single day. The effort takes place Saturday, March 23, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., at Family Health Center’s Alcott campus, 505 E. Alcott Street. Partners also include the Kalamazoo chapter of The Links Incorporated.

Dental Day of Caring needs volunteers to help with check-in, escorting patients, handing out hygiene kits and much more. General volunteers can sign up online at tinyurl.com/dentalgeneralvolunteers2019.

On a typical day, FHC serves about 100 dental patients. Dental Day of Caring aims to more than quadruple that figure.

During the one-day clinic, uninsured adults will receive a dental exam and at least one service, including cleanings, sealants, fillings and extractions. All services are being provided free of charge by volunteers who are fully licensed and certified dental providers. Also assisting are fourth-year dental students and supervisors from the University of Michigan.

Poor oral health brings lots of problems, with tooth decay, tooth loss, gum disease and related pain just the beginning. Studies show poor oral health can lead to numerous health issues, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, pregnancy complications, kidney disease, dementia and many others. Even more, it can cause people to suffer a social stigma that hurts their self-esteem, their relationships and their ability to find or keep a job.

While walk-ins will be served on Dental Day of Caring, patients are urged to pre-register to secure a time to receive care. Anyone can pre-register at an FHC location—117 W. Paterson Street; 1308 N. Burdick St.; or 505 E. Alcott Street.

There is also a need for additional volunteer dental professionals, who can sign up at tinyurl.com/dentalprosignup2019.

Other information is available online at www.fhckzoo.com or by calling 349-2641, extension 230.