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Here's the drill: free dentistry

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By LAURA FRAZIER

lfrazier@tampatrib.com

Published: July 11, 2009

VALRICO - Dentist Jeff Bynum expects to be overwhelmed by the demand for free services he's offering today, and he's OK with that.

From 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at his practice, Five Star Dental Care, 3203 Lithia-Pinecrest Road, Bynum hopes to bring relief and a smile to men, women and children who have dental needs but can't afford to pay for treatment.

Bynum has traveled to Central America on church missions to provide free treatment for impoverished people.

However, he said, "one does not need to travel to a Third World country these days to find people that are suffering."

Colleagues in other parts of the country advised Bynum to be ready for long lines and a heavy turnout. The heads-up served to steel his plans rather than deter them.

"We will feel badly that we will not be able to help them all," Bynum said. "But I hope that it will go smoothly and those with the greatest needs will be served."

It's not unusual, he said, for people in line at such events to take it upon themselves to usher children, the elderly and anyone in pain up to the front of the line.

For information, call (813) 653-2273.

Reporter Laura Frazier can be reached at (813) 627-4767.

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