Hundreds Flock To Clinic For Free Dental Care In Danbury

DANBURY, Conn. - The Connecticut Foundation for Dental Outreach and Connecticut Mission of Mercy works as partners to stage the eighth annual free dental clinic held Friday and Saturday at the O'Neill Center at Western Connecticut State University in Danbury.

Residents came from near and far for the free dental clinic.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

Patients came for all kinds of dental services.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

Patients prep for dental work at the clinic.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

Hundreds of enthusiastic health care workers volunteered for the two-day clinic.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

The waiting area for patients.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

Jonathon Knapp gives U.S. Rep. Elizabeth Esty a tour of the clinic.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

Friendly volunteers at the clinic.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

No one likes going to the dentist. Even when it's someone else getting worked on.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

Getting ready for a nap, as mom waits for dental work.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

Health care volunteers at Friday's clinic.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

Volunteers made everyone feel welcome at the clinic.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

Skip Pearlman

03/23/2015 5:00 a.m.

Hundreds of residents flocked to Friday's opening day. So many people lined up that signs were posted, saying no more patients could be seen Friday and that people should return Saturday.

Hundreds of volunteer doctors, nurses and medical specialists offered services, including numbing, root canals, and oral surgery, in addition to other more basic dental services such as cleanings.

U.S. Rep. Elizabeth Esty (D-5th District) paid a visit Friday and was given a tour of the clinic, which was hosted by the university on the West Side campus while the students were on spring break.

"The Mission of Mercy Dental Clinic is one of Connecticut's most important volunteer healthcare initiatives," said Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman. "I applaud the thousands of dentists, dental professionals, and volunteers for their commitment and dedication to Connecticut's underserved. They are making life better for so many Connecticut residents."

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