The Virginia Dental Association was part of the Wise County clinic. In the past 10 years, the VDA has fielded 41 Missions of Mercy in mostly rural sections of the state. The missions have provided $16.5 million in dental services to 32,000 Virginians seeking relief from the pain and embarrassment of their teeth. [Virginia is 93% fluoridated]

"I call this group 'the silent voices of need,'" said Dr. Terry D. Dickinson, executive director of the VDA. "You won't see them down at the General Assembly asking for adult benefits, as they would lose their jobs if they missed a day to advocate for themselves. This is truly a population that, for the most part, is unseen and unheard."

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