Patients Line Up For Free Dental Care In McAlester

Dental professionals from across Oklahoma will treat about 2,000 patients in two days at the Southeast Expo Center in McAlester.

All for free!

It's the annual Mission of Mercy event. This is the third year for the event in Oklahoma.

"There's just goodness and kindness in everybody. Everybody has a little bit; these people have a whole bunch," said Wilburton resident Jaunette James.

People are treated for dental problems with no eligibility or income requirements. About 1,400 volunteers are donating their services for free.

"If they have that front tooth broken off, just to be able to fix it gives them more self esteem, may help them with their job, may help them at school," said Dentist Tamara Berg.

Oklahoma ranks last in the nation in the percentage of adults who regularly visit the dentist. It's mostly because many in our state simply can't afford even basic care.

"I don't have dental insurance, and so this is a great way to keep my tooth without paying out the nose for it," said Stacy Parker, a Hartshorne resident.

"Think about it, you fix your car before you fix your teeth. It's sad, it shouldn't be that way, but that's the way it is," Jaunette James said.

A few years ago, Oklahoma became the 15th state to participate in the program. People can get a wide range of dental work for free with no income or other eligibility requirements.

"Fillings, extractions, cleanings, root canals, all kinds of free dental care," said Tamara Berg.

Jaunette James of Wilburton is one of about 6,000 Oklahomans helped over three years.

"It's just the good old, down home hospitality, love everybody kind of attitude that I feel like I've always received since I've been here. It's just the Oklahoman attitude," she said.

The program meets a need, raises awareness about oral health, but most of all makes a difference.

They'll start seeing patients of all ages at five Saturday morning, but keep in mind it is first come, first served.

Next year's event will be held in Lawton. And plans are in the works for another in Enid.