Dentists give out a reason to smile

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - Two vans pulled up to the Union Mission in Norfolk today, giving residents a reason to smile.

Those vans carried volunteers ready to help give them the confidence they need to get back on their feet.

Earl Thornal lives at the Union Mission now. He has a problem that many in the homeless community have.

"I got a tooth that hurts," said Thornal.

Linda Jones with the Union Mission said, "The homeless and the poor don't have any kind of dental coverage and one of the issues that we see is healthcare [which] is a major issue and when you have poor oral health and dental health, it really affects the whole body and the whole person."

That's why two Naval Dental Vans were at the Union Mission Friday, so others like Thornal can be seen by a dentist.

"Some are in pain. Some have been in pain in the past and have just not gotten treatment done because of costs, " said Dr. Harlan Hendricks." Especially in times [like] now, we are just out here trying to help out."

Sandy Murn doesn't have dental insurance.

"There's a lot of people out there now a days, they're unemployed and therefore they lose their insurance when they lose their jobs. It's important that we take care of our teeth and gums," said Murn.

Thornal said, "It's everybody helping everybody and it's a win-win situation for everybody."