Free dental services brings out smiles

EAST AURORA, N.Y. (WIVB) - Nobody enjoys visiting the dentist, much less the bill that comes after. But the dental care was free Friday for dozens of needy adults and children.

Jenny Randall is waiting to take advantage of a health care option she can't afford: free dental services at Westermeier and Martin Dental Care in East Aurora.

Randall explained, "I'm unemployed right now. I had surgery and my position was given up. I didn't have a job to go back to."

She also brought her two nieces. The free services offered here are valued at more than $23,000. Vendors donate various tools. Volunteers offer their time.

Dr. Scott Westermeier explained, "A guy in Florida started this and he tried to start a wave to go across the country and inspire dentists to provide free care. You know, one day a year, and he called it "Dentistry with a Heart," and we got on that bandwagon."

That was six years ago. Doctors Scott Westermeier and Jeff Martin are now inspired by the patients who sit in these chairs.

Dr. Martin commented, "You hear some amazing stories from these patients. Just the hardships many of them have been through, are going through. We support a lot of charities, but this is something we can do personally and we all get excited about it."

Every staff member is on duty offering personalized care. Before the doors even opened at 8 o'clock Friday morning, nearly a dozen people were already waiting to get inside. The free clinic usually sees about 300 people.

Alan Krawczwk lost his job after 29 years. Friday he's leaving with a shiny new smile valued at $177.

"When you have something like this, you take advantage of it," said Krawczwk.

The dental office wants needy people to make sure they take advantage of it next year.