We regularly get great feedback from the fantastic work people in Aspen Dental offices do in their communities. This week, we’d like you to meet Janet Jordan, a hygienist from the Aspen Dental office in Allentown, PA, who recently volunteered with Missions of Mercy Pennsylvania, or better known as MOM-n-PA.

What’s your dental background and how long have you been with Aspen Dental?

I have been a dental hygienist for 32 years, and this August will mark my ninth year with Aspen Dental! I began working in the Aspen Dental office in Stroudsburg, PA before moving to the Allentown office in 2009.

Tell us about the Missions of Mercy event that you were involved in?

I volunteered with Missions of Mercy Pennsylvania, or better known as MOM-n-PA, on May 31 and June 1, 2013. The two-day clinic offered a full range of dental treatments, and many of the people underwent teeth extractions and oral surgeries. Volunteer dentists, hygienists and teams also offered their services to include fillings, restorative care, root canals and cleanings.

How many patients did you see?

I saw hundreds of patients during the event. Throughout the two days, over 1,800 patients were provided care. People began to line up around 4am – an hour before the doors opened at 5am – and the clinic was open for 12 hours each day. There were over 900 volunteers at the event, including, but not limited to, dentists and hygienists. My daughter, who has no dentistry background, helped out by organizing supplies and equipment, as well!

Who was your favorite or most memorable patient?

Actually, the last patient of the day was one of the most memorable. A woman, with three small children in tow, waited in line all day just to get her teeth cleaned. After arriving at 4am and receiving an evaluation and x-rays early in the day, she waited to be seen at 3pm. Following the cleaning, she gave everyone a big hug. All the patients I treated were so appreciative of the dental care provided at the event.

Do you have plans to volunteer again?

I will definitely volunteer again – either with Missions of Mercy or other similar events. If I could afford to retire and just travel around the country and do these types of event, I would.

America’s Dentists Care Foundation and Missions of Mercy provides “dental care for the relief of pain to thousands of the most needy, many of whom are from working families who do not have access or cannot afford dental insurance.” There are many upcoming events across the country, so if you’d like to learn more, I encourage people to visit their website at www.adcfmom.org.

© 2013, Amanda H.. All rights reserved.