Hundreds turn out for first day of free dental clinic in Topeka

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - Hundreds of people braved chilly overnight temperatures as they stood in line for a free dental clinic that opened early Friday in Topeka.

The Kansas Mission of Mercy dental project provided fillings, teeth cleanings and tooth extractions starting at 5:30 a.m. Friday at the Stormont Vail Events Center, S.W. 19th and Topeka Boulevard.

Individuals were served on a first-come, first-serve basis. Some people arrived at the Stormont Vail Events Center around 5 p.m. Thursday and stayed all night as they waited for doors to open early Friday.

Some stayed in tents they brought to the event, while others huddled in blankets or sleeping bags with hoods.

By 6 a.m. Friday, the temperature had dipped to around 38 degrees in the capital city, with a breeze from the north.

Clinic officials said around 700 dentists, dental hygienists and other volunteers came to Topeka from across the state for the two-day event, which was sponsored by the Kansas Dental Charitable Foundation.

Patients included both adults and children.

Among those volunteering for the event was John Fales, a pediatric dentist from Olathe.

“I’ve been very well blessed by my profession and to be a pediatric dentist for over 40 years,” Fales said, “This is a way that I can give back to the community. And even though I’m from Olathe, the state of Kansas is my community, and being in Topeka is just a great opportunity to be able to help kids.”

Some of the attendees told 13 NEWS they drove several hours to come to the event. Individuals came from locations including Hutchinson, Dodge City, Manhattan, Buhler, Lawrence and Norton, as well as Topeka.

The Kansas Mission of Mercy dental project will continue on Saturday, when doors again will open at 5:30 a.m. at the Stormont Vail Events Center.

For more information, visit www.ksdentalfoundation.org.

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