The annual North Carolina Missions of Mercy free dental clinic hosted by Stewartsville Baptist Church will not be available this year, according to Event Coordinator Barbara Causey.

"I wanted to let the public know that there will not be a free dental clinic in Laurinburg this year," Causey said. "The North Carolina Dental Society has decided to take the clinic to other areas in the state. Hopefully, they will return to Laurinburg in 2011."

Since 2007, Stewartsville Baptist Church has hosted the yearly event, which offers no cost dental treatment to qualified individuals. Available services have included x-rays, extractions, fillings, cleanings, and denture and partial repairs.

Causey said it was not unusual for the Dental Society to rotate the free clinics from place to place after a period of time.

"They only do about 12 of these events per year, and they indicated to me last year that they might expand to other areas besides Scotland County in 2010," Causey said. "We were a little disappointed that they weren't coming back this year, but it's only fair that they visit other communities that may not have been able to benefit from their services before."

Although the clinic will not be held in Laurinburg in 2010, Causey suggests that those in need of care might check the organization's website to learn if dentists will visit a nearby county.

"One need not be a resident of the county where they hold a clinic to receive treatment from the Mission of Mercy project," Causey said. "If you are in need of care, check the schedule online for nearby clinics. If that is not an option, I feel sure they will be back in our area soon."

For information visit www.ncmissionsofmercy.org.