A local dentist's office will provide free dental services to 100 patients.
A dental clinic in Hagerstown is participating in "Dentistry from the Heart." "'Dentistry from the Heart' is a registered, non-profit organization that provides free dental work for people in need," says Dr. Fred Bye with the Bye Center in Hagerstown, which is taking part in "Dentistry from the Heart this weekend. "Since it's inception {in 2001}, 'Dentistry from the Heart' has grown to include over 200 annual events nationwide, and has provided more than 60,000 people with more an estimated $8-million in free dental services."
The Bye Center will offer free services to the first 100 patients on a first come, first serve basis who come in on Saturday, Feb. 18th beginning at 8:00 AM. They must be age 18 or older. This is the first time the clinic has participated in "Dentistry from the Heart."
Patients who come in can get a free extraction, filling or cleaning. They do not need dental insurance or do not have to call ahead for an appointment. "People who come in line, and wait in line, and they're not going to be turned away regardless of whether they can pay because it's all free of course," says Dr. Rebecca Bye, Dr. Fred's husband who also works at the Bye Center. She says two other dentists, five dental hygienists and about 30 additional volunteers will be on hand on Saturday to help out.
But Dr. Rebecca Bye realizes that the Bye Center may lose some money by offering these free services. "It's one of things Dr. Fred and I really feel strongly about is being able to help some of those who are less fortunate than us," she says.
Anyone who wants to come is urged to show up early, dress appropriately for the weather, and bring chairs and blankets as they wait outside to be served. Also, bring along water and snacks as the Bye Center will not be providing meals. The Bye Center is located at 13,424 Pennsylvania Avenue, Suite 201 in Hagerstown. The phone number is 1-877-321-6166.
"It's our first annual, and we hope to go it again every year," says Dr. Rebecca Bye.
"Dentistry from the Heart" was founded in 2001 by Dr. Vincent Monticciolo, a Tampa, Florida, dentist, whose interested in helping those who may not get the dental care they need. The free services provided by "Dentistry from the Heart" are offered each year by dentists in 48 states in the US and in Canada.
