Large turnout expected for free dental care event in Lynchburg

Fourteen local dentists and specialists will provide free dental care at the Forest Dental Center on Sept. 19 for Lynchburg’s second annual Dentistry from the Heart Day.

Last year, the center provided more than $40,000 in free dentistry to 178 patients. More than twice that number was turned away due to limited capacity.

People from across Central Virginia and as far away as Fancy Gap and Covington came for services, said Cari Zello, event organizer and administrator at Forest Dental Center. Some camped in the parking lot overnight, and by 6:30 a.m., a line of about 300 people had formed.

This year, organizers hope to treat twice as many patients and have increased the number of volunteer practitioners from 8 to 14.

“I think this year we are going to see an even greater need, especially with the economy and people losing dental insurance,” Zello said.

Patients may choose between a cleaning, filling or extraction. There are no special requirements to qualify for services; people will be treated on a first- come, first-serve basis.

Dr. Joshua Binder, co-partner of Forest Dental Center with Dr. Brian McAvoy, said their Christian-based practice wanted to address local dental needs.

“A lot of dentists will go to Central America or other places and provide free services, but we need it here, too,” he said.

Dentistry from the Heart is a Florida-based nonprofit organization that sponsors similar events across the country.

The Lynchburg event starts at 8 a.m. and runs until 5 p.m. Pre-screening will begin as early as 7 a.m.