Dentistry with a Heart

On Friday, August 10, 2007 Dentistry with TLC in Godfrey extended a helping hand to the community. A group of 5 dentists, 4 hygienists, and about 15 assistants, office staff and family members provided free dentistry to 90 people. This group of volunteers allowed patients to choose between having a cleaning, a filling or an extraction.

Dentistry with TLC calls this event Dentistry with A Heart Day and is planning to make it an annual event. “There are so many people in our community living in pain because they just can’t afford dentistry. We wanted to show these people that someone really cares” said Dr. Anna Smith, owner dentist of Dentistry with TLC.

The donations by doctors and staff were well received. Patients began arriving before 6 a. m. to register and wait in line on one of the hottest days of the year. Snow cones, popcorn and water were provided for patients. The event was well organized, allowing Dentistry with TLC to provide needed aid to the 90 patients in less than 5 hours. Travis Smith, CEO of Dentistry with TLC estimates that “nearly $20,000 of dentistry was performed by our volunteer doctors and staff. We have a great team that truly has a heart for people.”

The patients that came out for the event were grateful for the opportunity. Kathleen Hanover of East Alton stated, “It was a blessing to be able to have my teeth cleaned by a caring and gentle staff. Everyone in the office was very nice and caring. This office is the heart of Godfrey.”After having some fillings completed by Dr. Smith, Randy Windham of Florissant said, “Besides the financial savings all the doctors and staff were very professional, competent, and skilled in their work. It was a joy to be in the dental chair!”

Most of the patients that received dental work reported having been in pain and needing a dentist. Rick Taviner of Jerseyville had lived with dental pain for years, “For two years I’ve had a major toothache. Dr. Parker took my tooth out and I didn’t feel any discomfort at all. Thank you!Thank you!”

Most of the patients don’t have dental insurance and were very appreciative that someone would offer to help. After having an extraction Vicki Hyman of East Alton explained, “Having no dental insurance and the high cost of everything these days, it is a blessing to be able to receive treatment since I just broke a tooth. Thank God for wonderful doctors and their generosity for the working person.”

Contesha Brownlee of Alton was impressed by the kindness of the volunteers, “The staff was very friendly and helpful. They make you feel like you’re at home and you are part of their family.”All of the doctors and staff members were excited to help. Julie Boren, an assistant at Dentistry With TLC said, “I love this!This is one of the best things I’ve done in my whole life.”

Many patients were shocked by the generosity of the volunteers, “I never thought in a million years that a dentist would do this. I’m grateful”, stated Margie Smith of Alton. After having a tooth extracted Adrienna Robinson of Alton explained, “The people were very nice and respectful. I like that a lot and I will never forget them.”

Dr. Anna Smith concludes, “This was a wonderful experience for our staff, our practice and our community. Dentistry with TLC is not the average dental office. Dentistry with a Heart Day is just one way that we go above and beyond to help people.”

Our doctors and staff were so excited to offer Dentistry with a Heart Day to our community. Here’s what some of the volunteers had to say about August 10, 2007.

Travis and Dr. Anna Smith – owners of Dentistry with TLC

“We have the greatest employees in the world. Everyone was on board when we presented the idea of Dentistry with a Heart Day to our team and asked them if they would donate their time and skills to help our community. A couple people agreed to volunteer even though August 10th was their birthday! We know we are blessed to work with such a wonderful group of talented and caring professionals. Dentistry with a Heart Day probably touched our hearts more than anyone we were able to help. The true success of the day was watching God work in the lives of our patients, volunteers and us while meeting the needs of people.”

Dr. Stacy Moody – dentist

“Dentistry with a Heart Day was a great opportunity to be able to give something back to the community. It was wonderful to meet so many kind and appreciative people who truly benefited from the services that we were able to provide.”

Dr. Ty Parker – dentist

“Having the ability to participate in an event like Dentistry with a Heart is a blessing in itself. Having the opportunity to help so many grateful people and make a difference in so many people’s lives is a wonderful feeling. I look forward to helping more people next year.”

Andrea – hygienist

“I think it is a great thing to be able to give to those who truly need it and appreciate things done for them. We were all able to work well together under the heat and stress and our patients were great and very cooperative.”

Angela – assistant

“I could never explain the amazing feeling I got from being a part of Dentistry with a Heart. Knowing I could put a smile on someone’s face and knowing you are giving them a great service is more rewarding than words could describe.”

Cheryl – office staff

“I was amazed at how many people came to the event, and I was happy to find out that we really helped them. It made me feel good and proud of where I work. I like being with people who care about others.”

Crystal – assistant

“It was great to see so many people work so hard to help others in our community. I felt good helping out others and it made me feel great to see them leave with a smile on their faces.”

Debi – assistant

“Dentistry with a Heart Day was such a rewarding experience. It was nice to be able to help people in our community. So many people don’t have dental insurance and don’t know where to turn if they’re in pain. I’m glad we were able to help so many. I really hope we can do it again next year!”

Dee – office staff

“Dentistry with a Heart Day was a rewarding experience. This was a wonderful opportunity to give back to our community. I felt we were satisfying a great need and I look forward to helping again.”

Kelcey – hygienist

“I remember walking in to work that day seeing a lot of people under the tent ready to be seen, some of them with frowns and holding their jaws in pain. Throughout the day the patients became relaxed, made friends and talked with others, and as they left they had smiles on their faces. I met a lot of new friends that day and am blessed that I was able to help them smile.”

Larry – office manager

“It was enjoyable to help people get the dentistry they needed at no cost. Despite the heat outside and long waiting times, everyone was pleasant and very appreciative. I even received hugs and handshakes from several patients on their way out. It was an honor to be a part of this service.”

Lisa M. – assistant

“It was great to see the smiles of those that we helped. To know that we made a difference in their lives, that’s what this day was all about.”

Lisa R. – assistant

“It was very excited to be able to be a part of something like this. To be able to watch as people came in with pain and in need of treatment and then watch them leave smiling and relieved. I can’t wait to do it again next year!”

Joyce – assistant

“Dentistry with a Heart Day was a great experience. Being able to help people in need was so rewarding. My teenage daughter, Carli, was also a volunteer and she said she was so happy to help do something good for other people. I really appreciate Dr. Smith and Travis for organizing Dentistry with a Heart Day allowing our staff to give back to the community.”

Julie – assistant

“I was able to help those in need, to stop their pain and lessen their worries because of financial shortcomings. I would love to do more to improve or help improve someone’s life. To even be a part of this day was more important to me than I ever expected.”

Renee – assistant

“I was very happy to be a part of Dentistry with a Heart Day! It felt really good to help others in my community. I really, really enjoyed the day very much and can’t wait to do it again! I’m very thankful to be a part of Dentistry with TLC.”

Scott – office staff

“I think it was great to be able to offer free dental care to those in need. Everyone I spoke with that day said how much they appreciated this opportunity. Some were able to get help for a specific need; others were made aware of a wider range of possible problems. In addition, we raised money for a worthy charity (KB Hoops). What a day!!”

Sherrii – assistant

“I was very happy to be a part of Dentistry with a Heart Day. It felt great to be involved in such a wonderful event. This community is very lucky to have Dentistry with TLC!”

Tom – office staff

“I felt good helping people and it was very rewarding talking to patients and hearing how we helped them and what a blessing it was for them.”