Dozens Receive Free Dental Services

The lobby at Dental Care of San Bernardino filled with patients waiting to be seen by a number of dental practitioners over the weekend for free dental care as part of the dental office’s Free Adult Dentistry Day event. Over 35 adults on Saturday, Oct. 26 received free services including root canals, fillings, cleanings and extractions, to name a few, shared manager Sandra Gonzales. About 20 volunteers, including eight doctors and a number of dental hygienists and dental assistants from Dr. Vijay Patel’s Colton and San Bernardino offices, volunteered their services. Gonzales said there was even one doctor who traveled to the area all the way from Fresno after hearing about the event. “We had volunteers come from all around, just because they’d heard about it,” said Gonzales. Dental services were offered to anyone who needed them, no matter where they traveled from, she added. “We saw everyone who walked through the door, no questions asked,” said Gonzales. All patients had to do was fill out a health history form. “We took care of the patients’ needs, or looked at what they wanted us to take a look at,” said Gonzales. The event ran through the day, and due to a manageable turnout, Gonzales shared that dental practitioners were able to spend more time with each patient, even working on more than one tooth, in some cases. In the past, Dr. Patel has reached out to area residents in need, also holding free dental service days for children in need. This year was the second year he hosted an adult dental services event, noted Gonzales. “Dr. Patel feels that this is an outreach to the community, because there’s so much need. All the patients say they’re very grateful. Because of cutbacks, a lot of people no longer have medical or dental insurance.” Each person who came through the doors that day was seen, said Gonzales. If they mentioned a family member who also required dental attention, the staff on site also provided information on where residents can receive low-cost dental services in the area. “It makes me feel good to know we’re giving back to those in need,” Gonzales stated. “A lot of people also aren’t aware of where they can receive the dental services they need. I was just happy to see they were out of pain.” All who came to receive dental services Saturday were seen, each receiving some type of dental work, shared Gonzales. The dental office has plans to continue their free dental service events, and Gonzales said the hope is next year to involve other dental clinics and offices in the event.