CT Mission of Mercy Free Dental Clinic offers free dental care to those in need

WATERBURY, CT (WFSB) – This weekend, Waterbury will be home to smiles and renewed hope as dentists from across Connecticut come together for the annual Connecticut Mission of Mercy Free Dental Clinic.

The event will be held at Wilby High School on November 9th and 10th to provide free dental care to up to 1,700 people, offering essential services for those who are uninsured or underserved.

For Southbury resident Gino Albertario, a Vietnam War veteran, the clinic offers a rare opportunity to get the dental care he desperately needs.

“I need teeth,” Albertario said, explaining that his VA benefits don’t cover the full range of dental treatments he requires. “It’s the only time I get to see a dentist.”

The Connecticut Foundation for Dental Outreach, which organizes the event, points out that basic dental services like exams, cleanings, and fillings can be out of reach for many people without insurance.

More extensive procedures—such as extractions, root canals, implants, or partials—can cost thousands of dollars.

Dr. Cheryl Sobieraj, a local dentist who volunteers at the clinic each year, describes the experience as life-changing.

““Every year, its life changing watching those people get their parcels, watching those people smile,” said Dr. Sobieraj, who practices in Waterbury. “They have this broken tooth in their front that has been broken for years, and they get it fixed and they’re so happy.”

For Albertario, the impact goes beyond aesthetics.

“I know dental health is tied to my overall physical health,” he said. “As I’m getting older, I realize how important it is to take care of myself. I have grandkids, and I want to be around for them.”

The Connecticut Mission of Mercy Free Dental Clinic will be open from 7 a.m. on November 9th and 10th at Wilby High School.

Those in need of services are encouraged to arrive early, as care is provided on a first-come, first-served basis.

This year, volunteers will distribute appointment cards, which will streamline the process and eliminate the long wait times of previous years.

The clinic is a vital lifeline for many in the community, offering both immediate relief and long-term benefits for those who might otherwise go without necessary dental care.