WATERBURY, Conn. (WFSB) – A long line of people gathered early Saturday morning for the Connecticut Mission of Mercy’s annual free dental clinic, where dental professionals from across the country volunteered to provide essential care to those in need.

Hosted by the Connecticut Foundation for Dental Outreach in their 18th year partnership with the Mission of Mercy, the event aims to make dental care more accessible to those who may not have the resources to afford it.

The clinic, held at Wilby High School, opened at 7 a.m. and is set to serve up to 1,700 patients over the weekend.

Lisa Perry-Swain, Executive Director of the Connecticut Foundation for Dental Outreach, shared that one patient, a veteran, had been following the clinic for months, waiting for care.

“We have a veteran, actually who’s been following us for a few months,” said Lisa Perry-Swain, Executive Director of the Foundation for Dental Outreach. “He needs a tooth extracted. He’s here today. We are taking care of him and then he will get replacement teeth at our next clinic in June.”

Offering a range of free services, the clinic provided X-rays, exams, cleanings, fillings, extractions, and even root canals on front teeth and premolars. For those with missing teeth, limited partial dentures were also available.

Many of the patients, like Don Taylor from Portland, traveled long distances to be first in line.

Taylor, who arrived Friday night and set up camp with a tent, explained his commitment, “It’s the best thing in the world. That’s why I’m here. That’s why I brought my tent today. That’s why I traveled so many miles, because I wanted to be the first person here.”

Volunteers, including dentists and hygienists from all over the country, have traveled to Waterbury to support the initiative.

Jon Scoville, an 88-year-old Navy Veteran, is getting his teeth cleaned for the third time by these volunteers.

“I’ve been to a regular dentist a number of times. I try to live on my social security, which is near impossible. When you put the dental on top of that, it just doesn’t work at all,” said Scoville.

The event is especially significant for those without access to affordable dental care.

Perry-Swain explained, “Access to dental care is a big issue. Many understand and uninsured people here, and they can’t afford the care. So, we try to provide it.”

The clinic continues through Sunday, with volunteers and organizers working to provide crucial dental services and support to the local community.

The event is expected to have a significant impact on improving oral health and helping individuals who might otherwise go without necessary dental treatments.