Dentist offers free services for a day
Coeur d’Alene dentist George Loftus is offering free dental fillings, cleanings or extractions to anyone over age 16 on Feb. 16 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at his A Center For Dental Health as a way to thank the community that has supported him over the years.
No appointment is necessary for Loftus’ first “Dentistry From the Heart” event, and “all patients will be treated on a first-come, first-served basis,” said Vicki Webb, patient coordinator at A Center For Dental Health.
“There are no income qualifications, and no one will be refused treatment, within the time allocated,” Webb said.
Webb said Loftus won’t be offering “comprehensive care” but rather will attempt to accommodate patients’ immediate needs. The treatment will include necessary X-rays, cleanings, fillings and extractions.
“Dentistry From the Heart” is a national one-day event that was started six years ago by dentist Vincent J. Monticciolo, in Tampa Bay, Fla. Monticciolo and his team performed extractions and cleanings valued at more than $100,000 and served more than 500 patients last year, according to his Web site. Monticciolo has made it a goal to enlist thousands of dentists throughout the U.S. to take part in the program.
“It’s a life-changing opportunity, and the biggest demand is usually from people who’ve been hurting for a long time,” Monticciolo said. “We get a lot of hugs and kisses.”
Loftus has practicing general dentistry since his graduation from Georgetown University’s School of Dentistry in 1985. He is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry, American Dental Association and Idaho State Dental Association. Loftus also includes conscious sedation and laser and cosmetic dentistry in his family practice.
Other dentists who are volunteering their services are Rusty Reese and Nick McNamara.
People who need ongoing care or who have problems that cannot be fixed in one day will be referred to other community clinics for treatment.
Local restaurants will provide food and lunches for the dental volunteers that work that day. The secular Franciscan Fraternity will provide nourishment to patients waiting in line.
Aside from generosity shared by volunteers, philanthropy also comes from the medical supply industry, as providers chip in to donate necessary supplies.
A Center For Dental Health is at 2615 Fruitland Lane in Coeur d’Alene.
“We spend the rest of the year simply running a traditional, family dental practice,” Loftus said. “One day is a pretty small thing, but we think it will make a difference in the lives of people who come to us for help.”