Posted: Saturday, January 29, 2011 12:00 am
Hundreds of Billings-area residents will have a chance to receive free dental care as part of a nationwide program that has served thousands.
On Feb. 12, Brewer Dental Center will host its sixth annual “Dentistry From The Heart” event from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 2900 Central Ave. At least 75 people, including 11 dentists and 11 hygienists, will donate their time to help give hundreds of adults dental care. A free cleaning, filling or extraction will be provided to adults on a first-come, first-served basis.
The goal is to serve more than 300 people who do not have dental insurance or those who have dental insurance but still cannot afford needed dental work.
In the five years since the program began, Brewer Dental has helped 1,042 people with $299,158 in free dental work.
Those wanting to receive the free dental services at Brewer Dental Center are encouraged to get to the dental center early. A tent with heaters and chairs will be provided so residents will have a place to wait and stay warm. The program was the brainchild of Dr. Vincent Monticcilo of Tampa, Fla. He started Dentistry From The Heart in 2001 as a way to give back to the community and help the growing number of Americans without dental insurance. Since it began, the program has helped more than 25,000 people with more than $5.5 million in free dental work.
Dentistry From The Heart services are located across North America with events in 48 states and Canada.
It is a registered nonprofit organization.
Contact Cindy Uken at cuken@billingsgazette.com or 657-1287.
