Some local dentists are volunteering their time Saturday to offer free treatment to people 18 and older who don't have dental insurance.
Registered dental hygienist Carla Rumble is the coordinator of tomorrow's event, sponsored by an international organization called "Dentistry from the Heart".
"We just can't imagine only treating those who can afford it,” Rumble said. “We are here because we love what we do and we just want to see that we can help as many people as possible whenever we can get the opportunity to get the volunteers to help us."
She said there is a great need for this in the community.
"Looking at certain research, we saw that - if it's correct - around 80,000 people don't have dental insurance - people who are retired; people who are veterans. They have Medicaid, but they don't have dental."
Those who register will be able to get one free service - either a filling, extraction or cleaning - and will be seen on a first come, first served basis.
Registration starts at 6:30 Saturday morning at 1299 Portland Avenue, suite 4.
A Red Cross blood drive will also be taking place at that location from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Eligible donors are asked to make an appointment by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS or by visiting www.redcrossblood.org
