TEXARKANA, Texas -- Texas Mission of Mercy is giving the Twin Cities a reason to smile.
The Austin-based organization is hosting a free dental clinic from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 17-18 at Texas High School's gym -- their first time back to the area since 2019, program coordinator Mackenzie Keene said.
"We go all over Texas," Keene said. "We try to spread the love and not go to the same place too frequently."
The organization tries to make it to the Texarkana area four times a year.
A pre-screening event is planned for 9 a.m. June 10 at The Kid's Spot Dentistry Practice, 6008 Summerfield Drive.
"The pre-screening is important because that's where we do all our triaging and where patients get their x-ray exams done," Keene said. "If we're able to see them before they come on the clinic day, they can get a recommendation on what they need to have done. On the event day, it goes a whole lot faster."
On all event days, there will be 20 dentists providing cleanings, fillings, extractions, front teeth replacement or partial denture replacement.
Walk-in appointments for the pre-screening and clinic day will be limited.
"We're hoping to be able to help 450 people," Keene said. "It just depends on the community and the number of dentists that we have."
At its most recent dental event, Texas Mission of Mercy treated over 500 people and donated $374,264 in services to the Houston community.
CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System is a sponsor for the upcoming clinic.
To schedule a pre-screening appointment, call The Kid's Spot Dentistry Practice at 903-223-7768.