TEXARKANA, Texas -- Area residents have a reason to smile as the fifth Texas Mission of Mercy Mobile Dental Clinic makes its two-day stop in town.
The free clinic started Friday in Tiger Gym at Texas High School. More than 25 volunteer dentists and 150 volunteers from the dental profession, partner businesses, hospital associates and community groups provided care to the hundreds of people present. The services included dental cleanings, fillings and extractions.
CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System, in conjunction with Texas Dental Association Smiles Foundation, is hosting the clinic to deliver pain-relieving dental care at no cost to underserved Texarkana-area residents.
Director of Marketing Francine Francis said CHRISTUS invested $50,000 toward the event. To date, the hospital has contributed around $200,000 in funding to bring the event to Texarkana.
CHRISTUS St. Michael also hosted the clinic in 2011, 2013, 2015 and 2019. Between 450 and 500 people received free dental services at each events.
The clinic ends Saturday.