More than 1,000 volunteers are providing free dental care in Hartford today and tomorrow and more than 2,000 people in need or without dental insurance are expected to benefit from the 9th annual Connecticut Mission of Mercy Free Dental Clinic.
The Connecticut Foundation for Dental Outreach hosts the event, providing 146 dental chairs and 1,300 volunteers to offer cleanings, fillings, extractions, x-rays and limited root canals.
The annual event for children and adults is at the XL Center offers much-needed services for many.
“It's very difficult for a mother of three to be able to smile at her children and not be able to have the ability to explain to your children I can't afford the services," Krystal Tenner, of New Britain, said.
Hundreds of people camped out on a chilly night, hoping to take advantage of the free dental services.
“Freezing cold, very tiring, but everyone in line has this great mood. They’re happy. They’re really thankful,” Krystal Tenner, of New Britain, said.
George Sharrow, of Bloomfield, was the first person in line and arrived Thursday at 3 p.m.
Local
He is on a fixed income and needed a tooth pulled and replaced. It is a procedure that would have cost him hundreds of dollars.
“It’s very nice that this is here and I’m going to benefit from it and all these people will benefit. It’s a wonderful thing,” said Sharrow.
The doors open at 6 a.m. today and Saturday. Patients are treated on a first-come, first-served basis and there are no appointments.
Parking is free at the Morgan Street garage. Just bring your ticket to get it validated.
