As many as 1,800 people suffering from toothaches, cavities or more serious issues are expected to seek dental and medical services this weekend at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds in Chico, where a kind of large scale pop-up free clinic will treat patients free of charge.
Operated by California CareForce and made possible by grants, charitable contributions and free labor from dentists, dental hygienists and other medical professionals, the pop-up clinic appears in a different community around the state each month.
Tom Lewis, a retired dentist who is helping organize this weekend’s event said oral care is among the first things cut when people fall on hard times.
“I’ve done ten of these and I see people that tell me their story and they simply cannot afford to pay the rent, feed their children and provide dental care for their children so they let their dental care go last,” he said.
While the Affordable Care Act has reduced the number of people unable to afford medical care, Lewis noted that dental care, eye exams and glasses remain out of reach for many.
People needing care should arrive at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds in Chico Saturday or Sunday starting at 7:30 a.m. Medical professionals will try and treat everyone, but those arriving Sunday afternoon have no guarantee that they will be seen.
Those needing an X-Ray or facing a more complex health need should arrive Friday at 7:30 a.m. for an exam and treatment plan. Patients seen Friday will receive an appointment for treatment Saturday.
The organization is also in need of volunteers, especially unloading equipment and setting up the clinic Thursday and Friday as well as breaking down and packing up the equipment Monday. Learn more here.