Last week, a guest columnist commented about “Local dentists shirking their responsibility to county” (Sept. 23). I was severely disappointed that the columnist is so misinformed and unaware of volunteerism in our community. As a manager of the Healthy Smiles Dental Clinic operated by the Tooele County Health Department, I can attest that if not for the efforts of local dentists, our clinic may not be in operation today. Dr. Mike Wells has been instrumental in setting up this clinic by donating time, equipment and oversight of design and programs. Wells also facilitated a dentist intern this summer who donated over 120 hours to the clinic. Wells also was the main contributor to the health fair for uninsured and underinsured children for dental care mentioned by the guest columnist. Dr. Jay DeLaMar donates time on a regular basis. Other local dentists have also donated to the Healthy Smiles Dental Clinic in both time and supplies. It is interesting to note that the guest columnist has never donated time at our local clinic, yet scorns others for the same. Many of the dentists who do not donate time to the Healthy Smiles Dental Clinic provide donated care from their own facilities and help with the burden we all share in providing health care to the underserved population of our county. I would like to thank all the local dentists for their sense of community and contributions to the well being of our citizens.

Jeff R. Coombs

Deputy Director, Tooele County Health Department