Drs. Jeff and Janee Atkinson are hosting the sixth annual Dentistry from the Heart Sept. 30 at 119 North Ellis, New Boston, Texas.
During the event, they will provide free dental work to people who need it on a first-come, first-served basis. Patients will have exams, diagnosis and treatment with either a cleaning, filling or extraction. Procedures are limited to one per person to allow for more patients to be seen that day.
There are usually about 100 people seen during the event.
"There are so many people right here locally that don't have dental insurance or that can't afford it so he (Dr. Jeff Atkinson) does it to help the community," said Healther Braley, office assistant.
Registration will begin at 6 a.m., but limited spots are available. Patients are encouraged to come earlier to ensure they get seen. Each year some people have to be turned away.
"Usually people start getting there the day before," Braley said.
Patients may have to wait a while for dental procedures, but thanks to help from the community, they will wait with a full belly.
"The New Boston Volunteer Fire Department cooks breakfast for volunteers and patients and Guaranty Bond Bank from New Boston come out and cooks lunch," Braley said.
Patients must be 18 years old or older and must have photo identification. People who are on blood thinners, pregnant, have artificial joints, uncontrolled blood pressure or a phobia beyond control of dental procedures will not be seen.
The community is appreciative of this effort.
"We've always had a fantastic reaction. Everybody is so appreciative of everything," Braley said.