Zupkus Tours CT Mission of Mercy Dental Clinic
HARTFORD — On Saturday, March 21st, State Representative Lezlye Zupkus (R-89) toured the dental clinic hosted by Connecticut Mission of Mercy (CT MOM) at Western Connecticut State University’s O’Neill Center located in Danbury.
Rep. Zupkus met with Dr. Bob Schreibman, President and co-founder of both the Connecticut Foundation for Dental Outreach and CT MOM, and with Dr. Jonathan B. Knapp, DMD, who is a member of the Board of Directors for the Connecticut Foundation for Dental Outreach and has helped operate the program.
“It was amazing to walk through the clinic and see all of the many wonderful services that were immediately available to help those who are most in need,” said Rep. Zupkus. “It was especially heartwarming to see so many dental professionals volunteer their time to provide services to thousands of individuals, including children and seniors, who are in such desperate need of care but are unable to afford it. With over two thousand people receiving treatment, the clinic is a tremendous resource for the people of Connecticut. I extend my thanks to Dr. Schreibman and Dr. Knapp for taking the time to speak with me and for their continued dedication to changing the lives of others. I’d also like to thank Dr. David Fried, for inviting me to participate in this exciting event.”
Following the tour, Zupkus paused to meet with Cheshire residents, Dr. Bruce Cha and Dr. Randy Greenberg, who volunteered their dental services during the two-day, free clinic. “I was so encouraged and proud to see local residents contributing their time and their talent to help with such a worthy cause,” said Rep. Zupkus.
During the weekend event, hundreds of dental and medical volunteers provided free dental care to thousands of uninsured children, adults and seniors.
“While touring the facility, I had the privilege to witness first hand, the incredible life-changing effect that these services had on people. A young woman looked in the mirror to see a beautifully matched, new tooth that was previously missing. She was so overwhelmed with emotion and we all shared in her tears of joy,” said Rep. Zupkus.
Patients first went through medical and dental triage for assessment of their medical conditions and most critical dental need. Dental professionals and assistants then provided state of the art, comprehensive dental services, including cleanings, fluoride treatments, fillings, x-rays, extractions, root canals and even partial dentures.
The event is supported by The Connecticut Foundation for Dental Outreach (CDFO) in collaboration with the Connecticut State Dental Association (CSDA). This is the eighth year CTMOM has held a free dental clinic in Connecticut. Since 2008, well over 10,000 people have received dental services and treatment.
To learn more about the Connecticut Mission of Mercy, please visit http://cfdo.org
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