The seventh annual Dental Mission of Mercy wrapped up Saturday at the Arizona State Fairgrounds in Phoenix.
Central Arizona Dental Society Foundation President Brett Dameron said about 2,000 people were provided more than $2 million worth of free dentistry in two days.
“The only qualification [to get free services] is just to get here,” Dameron said. “If you can come down and you can stand in line, you are a patient here.”
About 1,700 volunteer dental professionals provided free fillings, extractions, cleanings and other services.
“We send out emails and we send out letters to all the dentists who live in the Valley,” Dameron said. “We also have dentists throughout the country who come back.”
For 55-year-old Tamara Kentros, this is the third year she’s come in to have work done.
“I’m ecstatic, Kentros said. “I never could’ve did this on my own. I don’t have the money, I don’t have the resources and even with insurance, I don’t think I could’ve afforded it.”
During the first two visits, Kentros had teeth removed. This year, she was fitted for dentures.
“I’m gonna walk out of here today with teeth,” Kentros said. “My confidence will go through the roof once I leave here. You know, you just lose your confidence. You don’t look people in the eye. You don’t want to talk to people with no teeth.”
Doors to the clinic opened at 6 a.m. both days, but some people were lined up overnight ahead of the event.
