Cincinnati, Ohio, Sep 18, 2007 / 07:54 am
Cincinnati-Catholic Charities USA's 2007 National Volunteers of the Year -- a Tucson family of three generations of dentists -- were honored last week at an award ceremony during the organization's annual gathering in Cincinnati.
Sam Marascalco, DDS, his son-in-law Phil Mooberry, DDS, and grandson Nick Mooberry, DDS, volunteer at Catholic Community Services of Southern Arizona's St. Elizabeth's Clinic. Known affectionately as St. E's, the clinic provides thousands of uninsured adults and children with low-cost dental care. Last year, St. E's volunteer dentists conducted 7,313 dental visits with patients, completing fillings, dentures, partials, cleanings, and emergency exams. Both Dr. Phil and Dr. Nick were on hand in Cincinnati to accept the award.
"With too many people in our country unable to get access to crucial health and dental care, these three remarkable dentists are using their special skills to provide an invaluable service to some of their most vulnerable neighbors," said Rev. Larry Snyder, president of Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA). "The Catholic Charities family is grateful for their dedication to their community and the Catholic Charities mission."
These three generations of dentists treat between 12 and 15 patients each month at the clinic. They also treat some of the more complex patients in their own offices. All patients of St. E's are accepted on a sliding fee scale or scholarship for dental care. Dr. Sam, Dr. Phil, and Dr. Nick's volunteer care helps keep the cost of care affordable and increases the clinic's ability to provide scholarships for the truly indigent.