Free dental care offered Saturday

Many who will line up for free dental care Saturday will be seeking treatment for a long-neglected problem.

"Most of them last year were extractions, teeth that were just too far gone to save," said Sherri Murdoch, of Five Star Dental Care, where dentist Jeff Bynum will be helping those who have no insurance or money to pay for care.

"Most were toothaches," Murdoch said. "There were also some fillings and cleanings."

Last year, Bynum, who has also participated in numerous trips abroad to help indigent patients, treated nearly 80 patients. Some camped overnight to receive care.

This year he's back at it, offering patients free care for one problem each, on a first-come, first-served basis. About 30 volunteers are expected to help, including dental assistants from other area offices.

"Our mission is to show the love of Christ throughout the community by offering free dental services to those who need it most," Bynum said. "One does not need to travel to a Third World country to find people that are suffering. Our goal is to help those in the greatest of need.

"We won't ask any financial questions and will only require basic information," he said.

This year, there also will be a veterinarian conducting health screenings and giving rabies shots to pets whose owners cannot otherwise afford the care.

"My goal is to offer some general wellness health screenings for dogs and cats, one-year rabies vaccinations for pet owners who can't keep up with them and also de-worming for pets. That way, we keep pets and people healthy," said veterinarian Joyce Gerardi of Noah's Ark Animal Hospital in Valrico.

"We're just sharing God's love through our professional talents."

Audiologist Lisa Tanner will conduct hearing screens and up to three nurses will do blood pressure and vital checks.

Patterson Dental Supply and Kavo Dental are donating equipment and supplies. And the Compounding Shop of Riverview will supply medication.

The event runs from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and those who come are encouraged to bring chairs to sit in while they wait. There are shaded areas and the event is scheduled to go on rain or shine.

Five Star Dental Care is located at 3203 Lithia-Pinecrest Road, in Valrico.

Each person will be given a number, though emergency situations will be treated first, Murdoch said.

A band from First Baptist Church will provide some entertainment and Walmart will provide water for the event.

"Last year, we had long lines pretty early," Murdoch said. And all were grateful for the free care.

"We got tons of thank-you cards last year," she said. And there were some acts of kindness. One couple left chairs behind for others to sit in. A few others bought food, after getting their own care, to share with those waiting in line.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Free dental care, hearing screenings, pet care

WHERE: Five Star Dental Care, 3203 Lithia-Pinecrest Road, Valrico.

WHEN: Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.