Lake Oconee Dentistry team member Lea Justice was among the 30 donors who participated in the recent blood drive hosted by Lake Oconee Dentistry and the American Red Cross.

Lake Oconee Dentistry hosted an American Red Cross Blood Drive on Thursday, August 29th. The American Red Cross Bloodmobile was parked in the practice’s parking lot and offered appointments throughout the day. A total of 30 donors participated.  According to American Red Cross representative Christina Bailey, 26 units of blood were collected.

“Each unit will impact up to three lives,” said Bailey. “That means 78 lives will be saved and changed as a result of this considerable community effort.”

Blood is a perishable product that can only come from volunteer donors. Someone in the U.S. needs blood every two seconds. Consequently, blood products must be constantly replenished. During the summer, especially around holidays like Labor Day, donations often don’t keep pace with patient needs. Lake Oconee Dentistry hosts a blood drive every August to help the Red Cross meet this need.

“Hosting a blood drive ties in with Lake Oconee Dentistry’s core value of giving back to the community,” says Dr. David Bradley. “With a simple blood donation, we have the ability to help save the life of someone who could be a coworker, loved one or neighbor.”

Adds Bailey: “The short amount of time it takes to donate can mean a lifetime to a patient with a serious medical condition. There’s no better feeling than knowing your blood donation may give someone a second chance at life. The Red Cross is grateful for all the people who came out to donate.”

How to donate blood

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visitRedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass^®to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

Lake Oconee Dentistry is celebrating the upcoming July 4^th holiday by taking a moment to thank the Hometown Heroes who work hard to protect our community each and every day.  The practice is offering active military, law enforcement, firefighters, DNR and EMS personnel the opportunity to receive a dental cleaning, exam and any necessary x-rays for just $17.76 when they schedule an appointment during the week of July 1, 2019.

“There are so many who work tirelessly to keep our communities safe,” says Dr. David Bradley, co-owner of Lake Oconee Dentistry. “Their daily efforts are instrumental to the freedom and independence each of us enjoy. July 4^th is a perfect opportunity to recognize the contributions of these brave men and women.”

One hundred percent of the proceeds raised through this special promotion will be donated to The Gary Sinise Foundation, which was established under the philanthropic direction of actor Gary Sinise, perhaps best known for his role as “Lieutenant Dan” in Forrest Gump. Founded in 2004, the Gary Sinise Foundation serves our country’s defenders, veterans, first responders, their families, and those in need.

If you are a Hometown Hero and are interested in receiving treatment, please call the office at 706-453-1333 to schedule a convenient appointment time.

Lake Oconee Dentistry hosted its second Stars, Stripes & Smiles event last Friday, November 16th, providing a free day of dental care to 89 area veterans and active military personnel.

Drs. David and Patti Bradley, Dr. Shelly Pound, Dr. Andrea Feldman, and Dr. Jamie Austin, along with Lake Oconee Dentistry hygienists, dental assistants and team members provided servicemen and servicewomen with a choice of a free cleaning, filling or extraction. Dr. David Miller, an oral surgeon and owner of Lake Oconee Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center, also donated his time, along with his team, in order to help as many people as possible.

The doctors, in cooperation with a team of dental professionals and volunteers, provided 22 extractions, 23 fillings and 52 cleanings, totaling over $15,000 in free care. Lake Oconee Dentistry and Lake Oconee Oral Surgery have been partnering together for several years to provide dentistry for those in need. In total, the practices have donated over $250,000 in free dentistry to the lake area community through various events.

“The majority of veterans do not receive dental benefits through the VA. This event was a way we could thank these men and women for their service, while helping ensure they receive the dental care they need,” said Dr. David Bradley. “It was an honor to serve those who have served our country.  These men and women are truly some of our country’s bravest heroes.”

Lake Oconee Dentistry will once again be hosting Stars, Stripes and Smiles, a free day of dentistry solely for our servicemen and servicewomen, on Friday, November 16th.

Drs. David and Patti Bradley, Dr. Shelly Pound, Dr. Andrea Feldman and Dr. Jamie Austin, as well as Lake Oconee Dentistry hygienists, dental assistants and other team members, will provide veterans with their choice of a free extraction, filling or cleaning that day.  Dr. David Miller, an oral surgeon and owner of Lake Oconee Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center, will also be donating his time, along with his team, in order to help as many people as possible.

Of the 21 million veterans in the United States, fewer than 10 million are enrolled for US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health benefits, and more than 1.2 million lack health insurance altogether. This gap is even more pronounced when it comes to dental care because the VA only provides dental benefits to veterans classified as disabled or as a prisoner of war — or as veterans who have a service-connected dental condition.

“Oftentimes those who have served our country are, unfortunately, among the most under-served when it comes to healthcare,” says Dr. David Bradley. “Stars, Stripes and Smiles is our way of honoring the military veterans who have given so much to ensure our freedom and make this country what it is today.”

This is the second year Lake Oconee Dentistry is hosting this event. Last year, the event provided care to 85 area veterans and active military personnel.

If you are a veteran and are interested in receiving free dental treatment on November 16th, please call the office at 706-453-1333 for an appointment time. You do not have to be a patient of Lake Oconee Dentistry to receive treatment that day. Lake Oconee Dentistry is located off Highway 44 in Greensboro, between the Publix parking lot and the movie theater.