The Brightside: Eastern Shore Mission of Mercy helps give everyone access to consistent dental care

WICOMICO COUNTY, Md. — This past weekend, Eastern Shore Mission of Mercy gave residents the opportunity to smile bigger. Officials discussed the impact of the two-day event in the latest edition of The Brightside, sponsored by Choptank Electric Cooperative.

“These patients who don’t have consistent access to dentistry and oral care are very vulnerable to all kinds of other diseases. It connects with diabetes. It connects with heart disease. If you have an abscessed tooth, that bacteria can go right up here, so it’s really critical,” said Eastern Shore Mission of Mercy community lead Sue Simmons.

Simmons said consistent access to dental care is integral and that the event changes the lives of those who wait in line.

“Let’s make sure your teeth are cleaned and that you know how to floss regularly for long-term health benefits. That’s it — human to human, heart to heart,” she said.

The event made an immediate difference for residents on the Lower Shore, with the first person in line arriving at 4 p.m. the day before the event started.

“As of 11 a.m., we had 471 patients checked out,” Simmons said. “We’ve never been able to do that before.”

The event also set records, with more than 1,000 volunteers in a single day. One couple even flew from Florida to volunteer for the 25th time.

Bob Gray said, “We started in 2010 in western Maryland. That was the first mission in Maryland. Since then, they’ve invited us every year.”

Although the organization is gradually passing the torch, its impact is long-lasting. Stephanie Gray recalled a patient whose transformation was unforgettable.

“She had severe dental issues, and we had a special dentist who worked with me to rebuild her teeth. She had a beautiful smile afterward, and we all cried. She said, ‘Now I can look for a job because I have two years to go,’” Gray said.

Between dental x-rays, cleanings, and oral surgery, the organization ensures patients know how to care for their teeth.

“You’re still precious, you still matter, you are still valuable, and we want to help you realize that by improving your pain level and perhaps the quality of your smile,” Simmons said.

Eastern Shore Mission of Mercy returns to the Wicomico County Civic Center every other year.

If you have any Brightside ideas, e-mail haley_rae@wmdt.com