Local dental clinic held the 10th annual Smiles from the Heart event
BOWLING GREEN, Ky.-Lines of people filled the parking lot of a Chandler Park Dental Care for the 10th annual Smiles from the Heart Event. It’s a day dedicated to serving the communities dental needs on a first come first serve basis. An opportunity that people didn’t want to miss.
For the event, people gathered in the bitter cold to await their dental treatments. From filling, to x-rays, those getting free dental services were thrilled, as was the staff, like office manager of Chandler Park Dental Care Kerry Berta.
“We’re just happy to provide this service. For our community. Dr. Jackson, Dr. Hall and Dr. Delpont have offered the office up to help the community for the 10th year in a row,” Berta said.
Patients said waiting in the cold weather was worth it, since this saved them the trouble of making and keeping an appointment.
“I’ve been trying to go get this tooth pulled for about a year now, and they do extractions. I’m grateful,” said patient Alexis Bailey.
“I’m really grateful that they have services like this. For some people, the service isn’t there. This will help us a lot,” added patient Juanetta Bailey.
As important as dental work is, it’s often pricey even with insurance. Smiles from the heart was started to help those who may struggle to visit the dentist for that reason.
“I’ve had two appointments, but the insurance didn’t pay enough so I didn’t have enough cover it. With them doing this, I’m really grateful. It’s been bothering me, and I’m ready to get it out of my mouth,” Alexis Bailey said.
It’s solely donations that keep this program afloat each year. Berta said there’s no better feeling than making sure everyone has a chance at that portrait perfect smile.
“It’s awesome to see the patients afterwards, especially if they’ve been in pain. It’s the most rewarding to be able to help them. It helps their quality of life, and to be able to move on with their life, because that can be a really debilitating problem to have,” she said.
