Oklahoma's First Free Dental Clinic A Success

By Dan Bewley, The News On 6

TULSA, OK -- More than $850,000 in free dental work was performed Friday and Saturday at the Tulsa Convention Center. It was part of Oklahoma's first free dental clinic. 

More than 1,800 people attended the event.

"It's kind of chaotic, but it's okay. They're doing a good job," said William Halfred, a Tulsa resident.

"I haven't been to the dentist in probably seven or eight years," said Anita Mitts, a Broken Arrow resident.

Volunteer dentists, oral surgeons and hygienists donated their time and talents to help Tulsa area residents who haven't been able to afford dental care.

"Just finances and having to put my kids first," said Anita Mitts.

It's the first time Oklahoma has hosted a free dental clinic of this size. The original plan was to see 800 people each of the two days, but they were able to go above and beyond -- treating 875 on Friday and 930 on Saturday at an average of $500 of work per person. 

"It has gone amazing. We had a little slow start (Friday) just with learning how it was going to happen since this was our first one, but (Saturday) has just been smooth, it's been fabulous," said Dr. Tamara Berg, Oklahoma Dental Association.

Both doctors and patients say the turnout is more evidence of the need for affordable healthcare, especially dental care. Oklahoma, for example, is one of the worst states in the country when it comes to residents getting dental treatment -- ranking 50th.

"The costs are outrageous and apparently Mr. Obama can't get anything done about it yet. There's too much bickering going on up there. So we've got people, like these volunteers and these dentists and these hygienists, taking their time to take care of us and that's nice and very appreciated," said Anita Mitts.

Organizers are planning another free dental clinic next year in Oklahoma City and in 2012 in McAlester.

2/5/2010  Related Story: Overwhelming Response Greets Free Tulsa Dental Clinic