Lake Oconee Dentistry will host Smiles from the Heart, a free day of dentistry for those in need, on Friday, Oct. 4.

Drs. David and Patti Bradley, Dr. Shelly Pound, Dr. Andrea Feldman, Dr. Grant Dawson and Dr. Jamie Crowley, as well as Lake Oconee Dentistry hygienists, dental assistants, and other team members, will provide event attendees with their choice of a free extraction, filling or cleaning that day. Dr. David Miller, an oral surgeon and owner of Lake Oconee Oral Surgery and Dental Implant Center, will also be donating his time, along with his team, to help as many people as possible.

Doctors and volunteers will treat the first 100 patients, and possibly more if time allows that day. Treatment will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Event registration will begin at 7:30 a.m. and patients will be seen through 5 p.m.

Patients must be at least 18 years of age. Patients are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather and to bring chairs, water, snacks, etc. as they wait outside for their turn.

Lake Oconee Dentistry and Lake Oconee Oral Surgery have been hosting free dental care days since 2010.

“Now, more than ever, there are people in need of dental services who have no means to afford them — whether they are unemployed or experiencing some other serious financial difficulty,” said Dr. David Bradley. “Smiles from the Heart is one of the ways we can help serve the people of the Lake Oconee area this year.”

Routine dental cleanings are important to help prevent more serious dental issues down the road. According to the CDC, nearly 35% of adults 18 and older did not get a dental cleaning in 2023. What’s more, 25% of adults ages 20-64 have at least one untreated cavity. Untreated cavities can cause pain, infection and lead to issues with eating and speaking.

“Before we began hosting these events, we would receive a lot of calls from people who needed dentistry, but didn’t have funds to get the proper treatment,” said Bradley. “We’ve all been in situations where we’ve needed a helping hand. Smiles from the Heart is our way to help those who have no means of affording much-needed care. We always look forward to helping as many people as we can.” 

For more information visit the Lake Oconee Dentistry website at www.LakeOconeeDental.com or contact the office directly at 706-453-1333. Lake Oconee Dentistry is located off Highway 44 in Greensboro, between the Publix parking lot and the movie theater.