Hundreds Wait In Line For Free Tulsa Dental Clinic

By Dan Bewley and Terry Hood, The News On 6

TULSA, OK -- There is a long line at Tulsa's Convention Center. It's not for a rock concert or a ball game - but a trip to the dentist.

The clinic, which opened at 5 a.m. Friday is on a first come, first serve basis for those without insurance who are in need of quality dental care.

"This is one of the trays that go with the dental unit," said Kim Loving-Proby of the Oklahoma Mission of Mercy.

On Thursday, dozens of volunteers prepped for the state's first-ever free dental clinic.

"We'll be doing extractions, fillings, cleanings," said Dr. Rieger Wood, president of the Oklahoma Dental Association.

"We've got our heater; we've got our coffee maker; we have our radio going - we're good," said Jenks resident Suzanne Myers who is waiting in line for the clinic.

She is one of several patients who have already staked their place in line.

"Since 9:15 this morning," said Bixby resident Amanda Perenty, when asked how long she'd been in line. "Since noon yesterday," said Jenks resident Suzanne Myers.

Suzanne Myers was the first to arrive. She says she needs a root canal and can't afford to pay for one.

"No, and what ends up happening is, like - a root canal is $900, and it's $60 to have the tooth pulled. So we end up getting our teeth pulled, and we have no teeth. That's what's being done by most people without any kind of insurance right now."

The Oklahoma Mission of Mercy is hosting the free two-day clinic. They'll have 90 chairs on the floor to treat patients, plus a special area for children. The goal is to treat 1,600 people on Friday and Saturday.

Organizers say poor dental health can lead to bigger health problems.

"We know that cardiac disease - there is a relationship between cardiac disease and periodontal disease," said Dr. Rieger Wood of the Oklahoma Dental Association.

The state estimates more than 660,000 Oklahomans do not have health or dental insurance.

Suzanne Myers is thankful for the opportunity to get her teeth take care of and doesn't mind the long wait.

"I wasn't going to miss the opportunity to get dental health when there's none available anywhere else," she said.

This clinic, which is only for those who do not have insurance, will open again on Saturday at 5 a.m. They will take only the first 800 people in line.