Thousands turn out for free dental work in Phoenix
Dec 7, 2012, 11:20 AM | Updated: 11:20 am
PHOENIX — The Central Arizona Dental Society greeted nearly a thousand patients seeking free dental care Friday morning at the state’s first Dental Mission of Mercy.
The Central Arizona Dental Society is hosting the two-day event, which runs Friday and Saturday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Phoenix.
“It’s to treat people who have pains and infections dental-related who can’t afford to get treatment otherwise,” said Dr. Mark Hughes, spokesman for CADS.
The organization rounded up 300 volunteer dentists to provide all sorts of free dental procedures. They will be able to see about 2,000 patients.
“The biggest area is the restorative area where we’ll be doing fillings and things like that,” Hughes said.
Hughes said the dentists will provide about $1 million dollars in free, basic care.
The Mission of Mercy has been held for about 10 years in 24 other states.