Heartland Dental Care dentists and team members donated more than $1.1 million in free dentistry in their communities and developing countries during 2010, the company announced.
Across the world, patients lined up at the free dentistry events in the early morning hours to receive an exam, cleaning, x-ray, filling or extraction. At many of the locations, patients were also offered free snacks, drinks, meals, and transportation to and from the event.
"Now more than ever, there are people in other countries and in our Heartland communities who need dental services but have no means to afford them -- whether they're out of a job, living in poverty, or just don't have dental insurance," said Patrick Bauer, president and CEO of Heartland Dental Care, in a press release.
One-third of the people in the U.S. are living without dental insurance and 75% of third-world countries do not have funds essential to support dental services, leaving little room to afford much-needed dental procedures, he added.
