Complete Dental offering free services for uninsured needy.HUNTSVILLE, AL -- Toothaches can be painful, especially around the holidays when everything tastes yummy.
Anyone 14 and over suffering from dental problems who can't afford a trip to the dentist, Complete Dental of Huntsville is holding its first Season of Smiles project Thursday to ensure the patients have a pain-free holiday season.
The dental group, with offices in Huntsville, Madison and Athens, is offering free dental care only at its Huntsville office in the Rosie's shopping center on South Memorial Parkway, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
"We'll have three dentists doing the work," said Dr. Rob Sotoudehnia, one of the three dentists which also includes Dr. Jason Selman and Dr. Brandon Chambless. "We have five dentists in our practice, but one is off this week and we already had patients scheduled in Madison so the other one is handling that work."
In addition to the three dentists, two hygienists, four assistants and three receptionists will all be volunteering their time today.
"We've already had a lot of calls from word of mouth, the TV and newspaper," said Sotoudehnia. "At first we thought we might have about 120 people, but with the response we've had, we're thinking there may be a lot more. But I think we can handle the load."
Sotoudehnia said the Season of Smiles idea originated when someone in the office suggested doing something to help the needy in the community. It quickly caught on with the staff.
"Basically, people are having a hard time in this tough economy and we just wanted to do something for the local community," he said.
This is not the first time Complete Dental has been involved in a community event. It also participated in the 2009 Candy Buy Back event in which it paid children $1 per pound for their candy following a night of Halloween Trick or Treating. The candy was then sent to troops serving overseas.
Today's dental services will include a variety of same-day procedures, from cleanings to extractions, said Sotoudehnia. Patients are limited to two procedures performed so they may help as many people as possible.
He said more serious procedures will be addressed "on a case-by-case basis."
Sotoudehnia said another reason for limiting the procedures to two is so they can provide the "best quality care possible" for each patient. "We don't want to do substandard care."
Sotoudehnia said bad health has been linked to poor dental care which can lead to high blood pressure, diabetes and other unhealthy conditions.
The dental supply company of Henry Schein has donated about $600 worth of supplies for the event.
"Christmas is always an exciting time of the year," said Selman. "It is our pleasure to give our time to help someone in need during these difficult economic times."
Sotoudehnia said depending on the success of this year's inaugural event, they may offer the service next year at all three locations.
For more information, call 256-258-0777