Undaunted by heavy rain and struggling to hold an umbrella in one hand and soggy paperwork in another, more than 100 people braved the elements on Friday morning May 21 to take advantage of free dental services at the office of Drs. David and Patti Bradley, Lake Oconee Dentistry off Highway 44 at the entrance to Harbor Club.

Doctors David and Patti Bradley, owners of the practice, were joined by their Associate, Dr. Phil Boswell, Dr. David Miller from Lake Oconee Oral Surgery & Implant Center, Dr. Bob McGuinn from Athens, and their hygienists, dental assistants and other volunteers.  All helped to achieve the success of the dental marathon, including several patients who pitched in to set up tents and, at the end of day, stack folding chairs.  Volunteers came from a variety of businesses and organizations.  Lakeside Church’s Assistant Pastor, Jay Thompson, in charge of community and connection, welcomed the crowd with the aroma of grilled hotdogs for lunch.   A group of volunteers from St. Vincent DePaul took shifts at the registration area, and reps from dental equipment suppliers were floating helping hands. Directing patient parking was aided by Harbor Club’s Security personnel.  Danelle Borland from Harbor Club assisted with Spanish interpretation for the Hispanic population who came for services, while Steve Guss from Del Webb weathered the outdoors for most of the day taking pictures and listening to the individual stories of the people who came.  

The group set a goal of treating at least 100 patients or more that day.  Because it was first come, first serve, the doctors had a limited idea beforehand what turnout to expect.  People began arriving before 6 a.m. and about 100 patients had been registered or were in line by 7:50 a.m.  Approximately $30,000 in free dental treatment was performed that day.

The persistent rain, which began early, kept cold, damp patients huddled together under umbrellas, hooded sweatshirts, blankets and even secured in the warmth of their vehicles.   Young couples with babies patiently tolerated the inclement weather waiting under tents.  Other folks were in wheelchairs or gingerly walked with canes.     Impromptu entertainment from some youthful, exuberant people made the time go quicker

The day of free dental work through Dentistry From The Heart, included cleanings, fillings and extractions. It was a first for Lake Oconee Dentistry as it joined the national non-profit “Dentistry From The Heart” program which began in 2001 by Dr. Vincent Monticciolo of New Port Richey, Florida.

Patients were screened by the clinical staff for the type of service requested.  Each person was given a numbered ticket and then tried to stay dry under the tents until their turn. New friendships and acquaintances were made that day.  The young and the elderly came to this innovative event.  The first patient, Daphne Dyess, of Greensboro, began driving by the office at 3:30 a.m. to see if an early line was forming.  She was quickly served and left by 8:30 a.m.  “I’m terrified of dentists.  That’s why I let it go so long,” she said.  Like millions of other Americans, who have neither the funds nor insurance to obtain dental work, the patients who came to Lake Oconee Dentistry were from all walks of life.  Many who came were unemployed and experiencing tough economic challenges.  Another patient, Andrew Simpson, walked out of the office wearing an appreciative smile.  He felt the 4 and _ hours he waited in line was well worth it.  As a freelance writer he’s ready to tell the world about Dentistry From The Heart.

 While the rain fell outside, things were humming inside.  When one patient was finished and the suite and instruments were sterilized, another person was immediately called inside for treatment.  Any outsider could witness a rhythmic, smooth flow of patients entering and exiting all day long with a full reception area as people moved from the tented area to the second stage of their care.

Typically, a dental practice like the Bradley’s may see approximately 40 patients per day. Some individuals require more extensive work and time, but on this day the volunteers at Lake Oconee Dentistry had helped more than 80 patients by lunchtime.

Appreciative smiles were evident and everyone was relieved and grateful for the dental work that may have gone neglected because of financial concerns.

Robin Luna from Buckhead said, “It was a blessing for me. It came at just the right time.  I didn’t care if there might have been snow on the ground, I was getting there.”

Another woman, Penney Booth, shared her story that at age 12 she had a serious bicycle accident which shattered most of her front teeth.  As an adult she’s still trying to have that damage repaired.  She came for an extraction and was very pleased to receive treatment during this special Dentistry From The Heart event.  Others expressed appreciation regarding the advances in dental treatment noting that the process is far less painful and time consuming.

Pastor Anthony Bryant from Mount Pleasant Church in Union Point, came out in his military uniform proclaiming that he would “be able to sing better now” with that irritating tooth restored.

More than 12,000 patients nationally and in Canada were served last year at events through Dentistry From The Heart.  That total could possibly exceed 30,000 if more practices like Lake Oconee Dentistry join in at smile@dentistryfromtheheart.org.  There are already 55 other practices across the U.S.A. with scheduled events, and the count continues to climb.  There are two more in Georgia-June 26 in Alpharetta at Jones Bridge Dental Care, and Sept. 11 in Lawrenceville at the Center for Cosmetic Sedation Dentistry.

As a first for the lake area, this dedicated group and their professional volunteers performed a generous service for the community and hope to make it an annual event.