ANAHEIM (CNS) - Prescreening starts today for a free dental clinic at the Anaheim Convention Center.
Hosted by the California Dental Association, the free two-day CDA Cares event will provide free oral health care to an estimated 1,900 people this Friday and Saturday.
There is a prescreening process for patients starting at 3:30 p.m. today, April 26, with prescreened individuals receiving a wristband for early treatment on Friday. All non-prescreened patients can line up as early at 3 a.m. Friday and Saturday are served on a first-come, first-served basis, according to organizers.
``We see hundreds of patients each day of the clinic,'' organizers said. ``Please be prepared to wait several hours for service. We strongly encourage you to come early.''
In addition to various dental procedures such as extractions, fillings and cleanings, CDA Cares volunteers offer oral health education and connections to other related resources, including other low-cost clinics in the area. Dentures, temporary partial dentures and root canals on front teeth are offered on a limited basis.
``Due to the high demand ... it's possible that some people who wait in line will not receive dental care,'' organizers said. ``Since care is not guaranteed, please do not wait until the clinic to obtain dental care if your need is urgent. Dental pain can have an accompanying infection and delaying critical dental or medical attention could lead to serious health consequences.''
The nonprofit organization estimated that 10 million Californians face barriers to dental care.
Volunteers, including dentists and hygienists, are needed. For details about volunteering, visit www.cdafoundation.org.
The Anaheim Convention Center is located at 800 W. Katella Ave. in Anaheim.