BURLINGTON, N.C. — More than three dozen medical professionals, including local dentists, volunteered at a Samaritan’s Purse Community Medical Outreach (CMO) held Nov. 15–16 at The Lamb’s Chapel, providing dental, vision and medical screenings to more than 360 patients.
The two-day clinic mobilized over 100 additional volunteers to support care and recovery, and Billy Graham chaplains were on site to minister to patients as they waited.
Jennifer Borth drove nearly two hours to the clinic seeking relief from tooth pain that had worsened over 18 months. She said the extractions she received would have been unaffordable otherwise.
“Honestly, this clinic provides hope,” she said. “It’s a lot of nerve pain—really sharp. I know they can’t fix everything, but extractions are expensive. I couldn’t have afforded them.”
Physicians and organizers described the event as a response to local unmet needs. “Poverty makes dental care and vision care the first things to fall through the cracks,” said Dr. Elliott Tenpenny, director of the Samaritan’s Purse International Health Unit. He likened the effort to domestic medical missions, using lessons from emergency field work to mobilize efficiently.
Longtime dentist Warren Rich reflected on the scope of physical and spiritual need he observed. “Everything falls apart, especially in the mouth,” he said. “As a dentist I do what I can, but this is just a glimpse of what’s going on spiritually in all of us.”
Patients described the clinic as life-changing. Jennifer Adams, who walked more than two hours after seeing a flyer, said new glasses would help her get a job and regain independence following the recent death of her long-term partner. “This clinic means freedom,” she said.
Anastasia Adams arrived with five children; she and two of them received eye exams and glasses. “They were so kind to us,” she said. “A lot of people around here don’t have much. This has been a blessing.”
Optometrist Dr. Steven Miller, who volunteered at the event, called the need “huge,” noting many people lack access to basic eye care. The clinic identified patients in need of further testing and possible surgery.
Organizers emphasized partnership with the local church. “Everything we do is through the local church,” Tenpenny said, noting that Samaritan’s Purse’s short-term presence is intended to support churches that remain in the community long-term. Pastors and ministry teams stayed alongside chaplains to pray with and minister to patients during care and recovery.