A visit to the dentist has long been a dreaded task.
Some fear the discomfort, some fear the bill, and some just fear the dentist.
Famous animator Joseph Barbera once said "Faced with the choice of enduring a bad toothache or going to the dentist, we generally tried to ride out the bad tooth". His cartoons often poked fun at the pain of going to the dentist.
While most dentists still get a bad rap for inflicting pain upon us unsuspecting patients that isn't their intent.
Most dentists have a heart and want to see their patients happy and healthy. This is especially true for when it comes to their patients who can't always afford proper dental care.
For a week in February dentists in the Fox Valley are proving they have a heart and care about their patients through a unique program called Dentist With A Heart.
"The 13th annual “Dentist With a Heart” week will be held from February 6th through February 15th, 2013. Many area dentists from the Fox Valley area will be opening their doors to the needy, offering free services for the day. Over $1 million in free services have been provided to over 3,500 patients in the last 13 years", according to the Dentist With A Heart website.
Besides helping their reputation this group of caring dentists participate in this generous program for more important reasons.
They do it because they have a heart and they see a need.
Teeth are important part of your overall appearance and health. Bacterial infections caused by tooth decay and gum disease can lead to even more severe medical conditions as well as affect everyday comfort and life.
Most who forgo routine dental care do so because of financial reasons.
An estimated 100 million Americans do not have dental insurance. This is part of the the healthcare crisis in America.
Dental care has not even been addressed with the sweeping legislative healthcare reform that President Obama enacted.
"We recognize that many people are just making ends meet and while day-to-day expenses might sometimes be manageable, often expenses such as much needed dental care is lower on the priority list. It is for this reason that we help", states their website.
And help is what they will be offering during this typical week of love.
"Love is not a pond
that must be conserved or protected
Love is a river
that will flow or stagnate"
Free dental services for those in need will be on a first come first serve basis and are on the honor system.
If you or your child are in need you can consult the schedule and location and arrive during that time that your dentist with a heart has donated.
These giving dentists will only be able to provide limited services due to time constraints.
These services include cleanings, x-rays, simple extractions, and fillings.
It is best to arrive early to insure that you receive treatment during the allotted times.
Calls and appointments will not be taken during this time.
Dentist with a Heart is made possible by the caring and generous dentists that donate their time and services.
To show you have a heart you can also donate to this program. For more information on how to donate visit their website.
Paying it forward will insure that there is a 14th annual Dentist With a Heart Program.
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