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Going to the dentist may make some grownups uneasy, but for children with dental problems it can mean relief from pain and a return to the joys of childhood. And with the Van Landingham Rotary Club’s recent announcement of a financial commitment to help expand the children’s dental clinic at Volunteers in Medicine, more local kids will soon be able to receive improved dental care. “The needs are so great, and the closest facility for reduced-cost dentistry is 28 miles away,” said Lew Wessel, president of the club. The club has committed to raising $100,000 over the next two years, a figure that will allow VIM to add two specially equipped pediatric operatories and expand its children’s dental care by 30 percent. Last year, Volunteers in Medicine treated 1,876 pediatric patients.
“It’s not unusual to see 3- or 4-year-olds at the clinic for the first time with their primary teeth decayed to the gum line,” said Dr. Anthea Grogono, VIM’s dental clinic director.
A BRIEF HISTORY OF VIM
Established in 1993, Volunteers in Medicine provides free medical, dental, mental health, vision and prescription drug care for community residents who earn less than 200% of federal poverty levels and are underinsured or uninsured. In the last year, VIM has treated 13,900 patients; it also serves as the model for more than 70 free health clinics throughout the country.
VAN LANDINGHAM ROTARY AUCTION
(LIVE ON WTOC)
When: Noon-3 p.m. Feb. 27
Where: Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa
Donations/Information: www.vlrauction.com, www.vimclinic.org
