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Palmetto Palace seeks county help publicizing free dental days serving adults in July
Summary
Dr. Yolanda Gibbs of Palmetto Palace told the Hampton County Council the nonprofit will hold registration July 9–10 and treatment July 17–18 for an expanded Free Dental Day serving uninsured and underinsured adults and asked the council to help with outreach and transportation partnerships.
Dr. Yolanda Gibbs, executive director of the Palmetto Palace, asked the Hampton County Council on April 6 to help publicize and, where possible, partner on transportation or facilities for the nonprofit’s expanded Free Dental Day for uninsured and underinsured adults.
Gibbs said the program will hold registration and x-rays on July 9–10 at the Orangeburg County Fairgrounds and provide treatment on July 17–18 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. “Last year, through our first initiative free dental day … we served 1,500 folks in just over 2 days,” Gibbs said, adding the program provided about $335,000 in dental care at no cost in 2025. She said this year the event will increase dental operator chairs from 45 to 60.
The presentation explained the eligibility criteria (adults 18 and older who are uninsured or underinsured) and that the registration x-ray determines the type of service. Gibbs said volunteers, dental students from the MUSC School of Dentistry and sponsors including Solomon Family Dentistry and Henry Schein are providing staffing and supplies. She described an upcoming mobile-trailer unit and asked county officials to help with outreach and transportation for residents who cannot travel to Orangeburg.
Council members and members of the public asked logistical questions about whether previously taken x-rays could be used, whether attendees must be present at registration and how to reach older residents. Gibbs replied that registration requires a current 2D x-ray and that attendees should be present for x-rays because dental needs can change; she offered a direct contact card for follow-up and said the mobile trailer should be available by June to expand local capacity.
Why it matters: The outreach targets adults who have aged out of pediatric Medicaid dental programs or who lack dental benefits. Council members indicated support for local partnerships and for spreading the word through county channels.
The council did not take formal action on the presentation; Gibbs asked officials to share the save‑the‑date and to connect her with Ms. Orr for local coordination. The event’s registration and treatment dates, partners and volunteer resources were provided to the council during the presentation.
