by Ann Herron

GUEST COLUMNIST

It was with great glee that I read about the opening of the Tooele County Healthy Smiles Dental Clinic a few months ago. Only recently, as the dentist's drill screamed in my mouth, all I could think was "I am so grateful for modern dentistry." For the vast majority of mankind's existence on the planet, most people walked around with mouths that hurt. Even if you could get a tooth pulled out, there was no guarantee that would end your suffering. Infection, abscesses and other mouth ailments could amount to continued pain for years.

But if you can't afford dental care these days, it doesn't matter how modern the care is.

I am sure most people support the idea of a free dental clinic for those in need. But let's be honest, it should cost you.

It will take volunteer hours from each of the area's 10 dentists to staff the clinic. That means, in the name of community spirit, we are asking those 10 dentists to donate one or two half-days of work each month. That's not a huge amount of their working time, but it is still a sacrifice.

Officials say eight local dentists have expressed interest in working in the clinic. Let's give special kudos to Dr. Mike Wells, who is already signed up to donate his time.

Those dentists that we, as a community, are asking to donate their time might have to raise their prices slightly in order to compensate for the time away from their own dental practice.

"Why should I pay more to have a cavity filled, to support someone else?" you might think. This brings us to a variety of bigger issues -- the debate over national health insurance or responding to local problems through community effort, for instance.

Where does the responsibility lie? Do those that are more privileged in life owe something to those who have less? Or is it just every person for themselves?

I am sure the presidential candidates each have their own plan to solve the nation's health care problems. But that will take years. People who have literal pain-in-the-mouth won't wait that long.

But right now, there are small things you can do -- no matter what your political train of thought. Ask your dentist if they are going to volunteer at the clinic. Support those dentists that do. By being willing and happy to support those that can make a difference we will remain a community that can smile with joy.

Ann Herron is a journalist and former associate professor at Utah State University who lives in Tooele. She can be reached at annherron@comcast.net.