South Tampa dentist office offers free care today

It's safe to say, most folks don't look forward to dental appointments.

But dozens waited in the cold for hours this morning for the opportunity to see the dentist - for free.

Marnie Bauer and Karen Burns are hosting the free day of dentistry at their South Tampa office, 4306 Kensington Ave. It's part of the Dentistry From the Heart program started by dentist Vincent Monticciolo of New Port Richey in 2001.

More than 90 people had signed up by 8 a.m., Bauer said. That number didn't surprise her.

"I just think dentistry is not a priority, unfortunately," Bauer said, "and I think that a lot of these people use their money to feed their families and put a roof over their heads, so I think it's a combination of things really."

Michelle Wiggins and her niece Jessica Quick were in line about 5 a.m. Wiggins used to have good medical and dental insurance until her husband lost his job seven years ago. She says free dental care is worth the wait.

"Yes, yes," Wiggins said. "Take advantage of these generous people helping us out."

Quick, 20, has never had dental insurance or been to the dentist. She was nervous about today's visit. "I'm petrified." she said.

The dentists provided a number of services, including routine cleanings, fillings and tooth extractions. Although that doesn't sound that pleasant, patients were overjoyed by the free care, Bauer said.

"They're so grateful. They're giving us hugs, and they're smiling." Bauer said. "And they're happy, and they're great patients because they're so grateful."

Bauer and Burns hope to hold these free clinics once a year.

Monticciolo started Dentistry From the Heart as a way of giving back to the community and to illustrate the growing national problem of the lack of affordable dental care for the growing number of uninsured people in this country.

A registered national nonprofit organization since 2005, Dentistry From The Heart events have contributed more than $5.5 million in free dentistry and helped more than 25,000 patients.