Word on the street is that local dentists will be appearing in the likes of Mick Jagger, Frank Sinatra and Elvis – singing and dancing to support the Union Gospel Mission Dental Clinic in a benefit concert on Saturday October 15, 2016 at The Washington Center. If that’s not enough to inspire you to purchase a ticket to this hilarious event, you might just go to hear the Jazz Senators, a big band that will be anchoring the entire evening’s program. And there’s more. Debbie’s Dance will showcase its dancers, and singing trio Souled Out will be added to the mix.
What is the Union Gospel Mission Dental Clinic?
The primary mission of the clinic is to relieve pain from untreated dental infections in those who have no dental insurance and little ability to pay. It started as a van in 2000, until a two-chair operatory downtown was opened in 2003. The new clinic on Washington Street opened this year so the main building of the Mission could use the space for its expanding services. The new clinic, which is shared with the vision services, has three dental chairs and ample room for wheel-chair patients. Long time Clinic Manager Linda Barrett organizes patients and their treatment with care and optimism.
The scope of the work at the dental clinic has expanded with changes in health coverage. People with multi-site oral infections who are candidates for organ transplants or cancer treatments must get their mouths in order first. Skip Steffen, Executive Director, explained that the lack of oral health has become a significant hang-up for surgery. The clinic provides 1,800 visits annually. Often one visit includes screening as well as treatment. The annual budget is $110,000. Remember that all the dental professionals are donating their time. The concert raises between $40,000 – $50,000, a significant portion of the necessary funds. Steffen noted that the rest of the money comes from the “generous donations of our community.”
Twenty-one dentists volunteer their time and services at the clinic along with 10 hygienists and 11 assistants. There are an additional 27 dentists who participate in the Thurston County Dental Access Network (TCDAN). These dentists accept referrals from the Mission Clinic and do the treatment at their own offices.
Who can you expect to see onstage?
Dr. Steven Kern, a long time supporter of TCDAN, likes the more complicated cases that might take more than one visit. “I like to do restorative dentistry,” he told me as he was getting ready to practice one of his numbers for the concert. Dr. Kern, who also loves to sing, has performed in many of the concerts.
Dr. Venn Peterson, another dentist who see patients from the clinic, is taking center stage this year. You’ll have to see him to believe him. Another talented singing dentist, Dr. Peterson said, “I enjoy performing and supporting my chosen profession.” Busy with his practice and family, Venn gets a big kick out of the camaraderie with the other dentists and performers.
This year’s program is called Route 66. There are songs about the cities and states across the United States, though not every number is actually a location on Route 66. Pediatric dentist Dr. Greg Psaltis, who will be singing and dancing, gets great pleasure from rewriting lyrics to fit the dental theme. His version of Greased Lightening became Teeth Whitening. Fiddler on the Roof’s Tradition became The Mission. Now more dentists are rewriting the words. This year you’ll get creative renditions called Sweet Home Thurston County and Viva Floss Vegas.
The choreography of the dentists and volunteer dancers has been orchestrated by Dorothy Joyner, Treatment Coordinator for Dr. Steve Alexander. Years ago she was watching the show for the first time and knew she wanted to volunteer. Dorothy loves musicals and used to teach ballet to children. “There’s not a better group (the dentists) to work with,” she said. She enjoys supporting an event that makes a difference to the dental health of so many in our community. This sentiment is echoed by Dr. David Georig, who performs endodontic surgeries in his office. He emphasized that “access to care in this community is so important,” and he wants to do his part.
You and your whole family can attend this lively event. You can laugh and cheer for your dentist. They are putting their voices and toes on the line for your total enjoyment. You’ll probably know a lot of the songs – and you’ll certainly get a chuckle from the dental specific lyrics.
Tickets for Route 66 at The Washington Center can be purchased here. If you are unable to attend but would still like to support the dental clinic, click here.
You can reach the Olympia Gospel Mission at 360-709-9725 and the no-fee dental clinic at 360-943-6400.
