Free dental clinic coming to Sioux City in October

SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) — An annual event providing free dental services to hundreds was the focus of Monday’s Rotary Club of Sioux City meeting.

Since 2008, Iowa Mission of Mercy has traveled across the state offering a two-day community dental clinic where professionals and volunteers provide free oral health care.

According to experts, more than 40 percent of Americans admit they do not see their dentists on an annual schedule. With this program in place, fewer people are not experiencing any dental emergencies.

“For a month or so after we’re in a town, the emergency rooms will see fewer dental emergencies,” dentist Dr. Dick Hettinger said. “That’s a big deal because it’s much more expensive to provide dental care in a hospital setting then it is in our clinic or even in a private clinic.”

Hettinger shared details about the clinic with members of the Rotary Club on Monday. The free clinic will take place at the Tyson Events Center on October 4 and 5.

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