The dental clinic began in January 2006 in a makeshift first floor room with equipment from Dr Eaker's office, but soon moved to onsite visits from the Baptist Men's Dental Bus on many occasions in 2006. 

The fully functional 4th floor dental clinic construction was completed in November 2007, thanks to many generous donations. 

Most notable donations were:

• New operatory units, lights, and chairs from Pelton and Crane Company in Charlotte NC,
• Clinic design, Dentrix software, Guru patient education software and equipment installation and maintenance from Henry Schein Dental, Raleigh
• Cabinets and flooring from Riggs-Harrod Construction 
• Caesy patient education software from Patterson Dental, Raleigh
• Computers from Lenovo corporation
• Overall compliance support from Total Medical Compliance, Charlotte
• Much needed supplies from Ultradent company, Hu-Friedy, Garrison Dental, Microcopy, Sunstar Butler, Dentsply and a major amount of supplies at reduced cost from World Dental Relief in Oklahoma.
• Most small equipment has been donated by local dentists

Our Ribbon Cutting was December 14th, 2007 and included representatives of Henry Schein Dental, Total Medical compliance and the President of the Durham-Orange County Dental Society. News14Carolina was also on hand to cover the opening.

• Dental care will now be provided free of charge to residents several days per month by volunteer dentists, hygienists and assistants as well as other support staff.  
  • John and Anne Long have been important support volunteers as well as assistant Janine Healey.
  • Nora Sienra is our volunteer coordinator and can be reached at dentaldrm@gmail.com   
    Nora recently won a statewide volunteer award for her work with the Samaritan health Center from the North Carolina Dental Society.
• VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Our biggest clinical needs are hygienists and dentists to either provide services or just to oversee hygienists.
• The opening was highlighted in a recent news story on News14Carolina
• Needs: Our main financial need ($17,000) would allow us to convert to digital x-ray. Basically, we need a digital x-ray sensor, ability to convert existing panoramic unit to digital, and LAB support (fixed and removable),
• Currently two full dental exam rooms, plus x-ray are available. At least one dentist in every specialty has offered services and we conitnue to gear up our supplies for all the specialties.
• Contact Jim Eaker with questions or to donate resources or equipment:.   JimEaker@samaritanhealthcenter.org  

Get involved! Donation and Volunteering information