Tough economic times mean not everyone has the health or dental coverage they need.
Hundreds of patients waited outside the Tulsa Convention Center on Thursday and Friday night, so they could be among the 900 patients to see a dentist on Friday and Saturday.
Most of the patients have no insurance. Without the clinic, they would never be able to get the dental care they need. Christine Adams tells 2NEWS, "Right now my husband is unemployed. There is no insurance. So, this has been a blessing."
By the time the clinic closes Saturday evening, organizers expect to have treated around 1800 people.
Organizer Dr. Lee Beasley says, "That just shows what a need there is. We could be here every day for a month and still not be able to care for all the people who need it."
Resources are available to help those who who were turned away. There are free clinics and programs to help pay for dental care.
Dentists are volunteering their time to provide care to people who might not get it otherwise.
There is no pre-registration, no pre-qualification, no payments and no insurance is needed.
The clinic is staffed by volunteer dentists, oral hygenists, x-ray techniciains, even registered nurses and doctors. It's sponsored by the American Dental Association among others.
Dentists will be providing fillings, extractions, cleanings, and even root canals.
Doors opened at 5am Friday and will open again at 5am Saturday.
