Dental clinic

There was a phenomenal display of giving earlier this month when a free dental clinic was held at the Show Me Center.

More than 1,000 volunteers -- lay people and dental professionals -- helped provide much needed dental care for hundreds of people in need.

This was the second Mission of Mercy event for the state, and we're thrilled Cape Girardeau was able to host it.

Totals listed in a Mission of Mercy news release were 1,775 adults and children helped. Services rendered over the two days were valued at more than $961,580 and included cleanings plus 1,165 filings and 2,600 extractions.

If you drove by the Show Me Center over the two days, you saw many people lined up. Some even camped out overnight. It's heartbreaking to see so many people in such need, many dealing with painful dental issues that could otherwise be addressed with prevention.

We offer our thanks to the Missouri Dental Association, the Missouri Dental Association Foundation and the volunteers. Your generosity is appreciated.