Local New Orleans' Prosthodontists Bring Back Smiles at ADA Mission of Mercy Free Dental Clinic

Sunday, Nov. 3, 5:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Mardi Gras World, 1380 Port of New Orleans Place, New Orleans, Louisiana 70130

CHICAGO, Nov. 1, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- This Sunday, November 3, the American Dental Association (ADA) hosts a free dental clinic in New Orleans. More than 750 dental professionals will volunteer and give back to the community via the ADA Mission of Mercy event by treating more than 1,000 patients with oral health issues.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131101/DC09211LOGO)

With crowds expected to line up well before the 5:30 a.m. start time and lines expected to continue throughout the day through the 5:30 p.m. end time, 750 dental professionals, including local prosthodontists Dr. Laurie Moeller, faculty of the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center School of Dentistry, and private practitioner Dr. Robert Rooney, will conduct oral health screenings, and design, fit, and place acrylic partial dentures.  

"As I'm a local prosthodontist in New Orleans, I wanted to volunteer my time as I've been impressed with the Mission of Mercy (MOM) organization.  With the ADA as its host, we can help out in our hometown," said Dr. Moeller.

Prosthodontists are specialized dentists with advanced training in oral health issues and cosmetic dentistry procedures including replacing missing teeth with implants, crowns, veneers and dentures.  Prosthodontists are committed to improving patient outcomes as prosthodontics is a recognized specialty by the ADA.

"The ADA MOM offers patients free oral health exams and if needed, partial dentures to bring back a smile, which is how I can give back as a prosthodontist.  With 33 million Americans having no teeth and 178 million Americans missing one or more teeth today, the ADA MOM free dental clinic is needed.  I'm excited that patients attending can leave with a smile, feel better about themselves, and having an improved smile may help them to find work in the area," said Dr. Moeller. 

Dr. Moeller will work with 20 local lab technicians to make acrylic partial dentures for patients to assist.  Acrylic partial dentures are made to replace missing front teeth and are not a permanent. As they are made of plastic, they are not strong enough to be used for back teeth.

"We have about 20 dental lab technicians from our local community, who are helping us make the partial dentures by donating their time and services. As a prosthodontist, I know that our lab technicians are an integral part of the program and are supplying their own equipment to fabricate the partial dentures to bring back smiles. Supplies have been donated by various companies," adds Dr. Moeller. 

During MOM, oral health care will be provided to approximately 1,000 local residents on a first-come, first-served basis. Services include basic dental care such as fillings, extractions and cleanings. Limited lab work will also be offered. The care will be provided by volunteers, dentists and dental specialists from around the country, in a temporary 100-chair clinic set-up at Mardi Gras World, which is just south of the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. 

Patients: Please refer to this flier and frequently asked questions document for more information about how to receive care during the ADA Mission of Mercy.

The American College of Prosthodontists is the professional association of dentists with advanced specialty training in oral health issues.  Prosthodontists restore and replace teeth to create optimal oral health, both in function and appearance. From placing dental implants, crowns, veneers, dentures to performing cosmetic procedures such as teeth whitening, prosthodontics is a recognized specialty by the American Dental Association.  For more information or to find a prosthodontist near you, visit GoToAPro.org.                                                     

SOURCE American College of Prosthodontists