Shepherd's Hand Free Clinic in Whitefish has provided free dental services for more than 50 people since the clinic began offering dental care in the Flathead Valley on Jan. 13.

More than 20 local dentists,  along with many of their staff members, have signed up to volunteer their time on Monday evenings. Of those treated, 73 percent had incomes at or below the federal poverty level.

The primary focus of the dental clinic initially is treating people who are experiencing acute tooth pain, according to clinic Executive Director Meg Erickson. Of the 52 people seen so far, 29 have had teeth pulled.

Shepherd's Hand Free Clinic, funded solely by private donations, has focused much of its recent fundraising efforts on raising money needed for dental equipment and ongoing operating expenses.

The three-chair dental suite has been made possible by the community's response to a $30,000 matching challenge offered by Dave and Sherry Lesar and a $25,000 major project grant from the Whitefish Community Foundation, Erickson said. 

Still needed are another portable suction and drill system, a portable Nomad X-Ray unit and a digital X-ray system. An anonymous donor has offered another $25,000 matching challenge to help meet these needs.

Donations can be sent to Shepherd's Hand at 5150 River Lakes Parkway, Whitefish, MT, 59937. Shepherd's Hand is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and all donations are tax-deductible.

For more information, visit the Shepherd's Hand’s website at www.shepherdshand.com.