Deedee Gallogly has gone years without seeing a dentist due to her fixed income and lack of insurance, fortunately Comfort Dental’s free care day on Saturday provided her with cleaner, healthier teeth along with some peace of mind for the holiday season.
“I know there’s at least three areas that need addressing,” she said while filling out the paperwork in the empty waiting room. Originally clued in by one of her friends, this is her first time attending the free care day, which has been held from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. just before Christmas for the past 34 years in 11 different states.
There is no catch to this free service. All patients have to do is show up and they’re provided with treatment on a first-come, first-served basis.
“It’s a gift,” said Evan Gaubatz, owning partner and general dentist at the West Highland location in Denver. “Basically, come here and get out of pain for Christmas.” He has participated in care day for the past four years and said knowing he’s making a difference in the community puts him in a great mood for the holidays.
Armed with a full staff, Gaubatz said a majority of the work was fillings, cleanings, extractions and a few deep cleanings. But due to the small turnout, they were also able to provide patients with more than one procedure if needed and even undertook a re-cementing of a bridge, a case involving a wisdom tooth and some temporary crowns.
Last year Comfort Dental offices saw 4,000 patients nationally, and gave away $1.4 million in free dental services.
The West Highland team averaged roughly 10 patients per hour without turning anyone away or even asking for insurance information.
“It’s a good day,” said Victoria Rodriquez who’s been a dental assistant for nearly four years. “Especially for those who need it most.”
Gallogly shared the good tidings to her neighbor who she thought could also benefit from the service.
“I think it’s great,” she said. “So many people need care and they can’t afford it.”
Her holidays will be a little more comfortable thanks to Comfort Dental, and she plans to pass along the good deed.
“I just think it’s so important to pay it forward,” she said.
