Saturday was the last day for the Missions of Mercy Dental Clinic at the campus of West Virginia at Parkersburg.

Saturday dentists and their assistants treated 500 patients at the free clinic,exceeding their goal.

In the last two days officials said 1,300 people had dental screenings, fillings, and extractions.

They had to turn away 400 people in the last two days because the demand of the free care was so great.

"It's been amazing to see the dentists come all over West Virginia and from Ohio and from Indiana... I think that it is amazing to see the generosity of the dentists, "said Dr. Richard Newhart.

Organizers of the clinic said there won't be another clinic like this unless residents write to their congressman, United Way and health department and demand another clinic or better dental coverage.
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Updated 7-31-09
An overwhelming turnout at a free dental clinic forced area health officials to turn people away Friday morning.

Dick Whittberg with the Mid-Ohio Valley Health Department said at seven-thirty Friday morning, officials were forced to send roughly two hundred people home.

Around nine-thirty Friday morning, eight hundred fifty people remained in line for the Mission of Mercy's free dental screenings at West Virginia University at Parkersburg.

Whittberg said the people who are pre-screened today but not seen by a dentist will be bumped to the front of the line Saturday morning.

After that, Saturday's cleanings will still be on a first come, first serve basis.

Whittberg encourages folks to come as early as possible.

The clinic opens at six o'clock in the morning.