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Free dentistry offered

An international non-profit charity hopes to bring dozens of smiles to less-fortunate Central Albertans with dental problems.

An international non-profit charity hopes to bring dozens of smiles to less-fortunate Central Albertans with dental problems.

Dentistry from the Heart, started nine years ago by a Florida dentist, hosted its first event in Alberta in Edmonton last weekend. Its second will be in Red Deer on Saturday. Individuals will be able to get free fillings, cleanings and extractions done through two Appleway locations, at Village Mall and Inglewood Station, starting at 8:30 a.m.

Dr. Michael Dolynchuk and his team of five dentists, plus other volunteers will treat as many as they can by 5 p.m. Patterson Dental from Calgary is donating supplies. “Now more than ever, I know there’s people out there that need my services but have no means to afford them, whether they’re out of a job or just don’t have dental insurance,” said Dolynchuk.

People can register by calling Appleway at 1-800-973-7085 or they can just show up on Saturday.

Bryce Gibney, a Vancouver marketing consultant, heard of Dentistry from the Heart and decided it was worthwhile for the organization to get involved in Canada. In support of its dentist partners, the organization serves to recruit, unify, and promote events on a national level.

Gibney said he is promoting Red Deer’s event on a voluntary basis. Dentistry from the Heart must approve each event, and then the number of patients seen are recorded on the foundation’s website.

Gibney said most dentists offer pro-bono work, but this event is given wide support through the foundation.

“What I’m able to do is help my clients give back to their community in an organized fashion,” he said. “We come in with a list of things that needs to be done. The (dentists) provide the dentistry and we do the rest of it (such as getting corporate sponsors).”

He added a number of dentists also do free dental days, but they typically require certain conditions before patients are accepted.

“We’re saying, come in and we’ll give you a check up and if there’s something that can be done right now, we’ll do it,” Gibney said.

ltester@www.reddeeradvocate.com