"We'll do our own mission right here," said Diane Masaitis, business administrator with Advanced Dental Concepts (ADC) in Pace, regarding the company's decision to host an annual day of free dental work to adults in Santa Rosa County. Dr. Noel Spurlock goes on yearly mission trips with his church, according to Masaitis. She said many employees at the dental practice were interested in missions, but could not afford to go or didn't have the time. Programs exist for children's dental work, but nothing for low-income adults, she said.
April 11 marks the sixth year ADC will host a day of free dental work on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 8 a.m., Masaitis said the goal is to serve at least 150 adults. The practice will provide free fillings, extractions, and cleanings to anyone at least 18 years old.
Masaitis said the day is volunteer work for the staff, the doctors, and others outside the staff who are able and willing to help run the event. Additional local dentist who are volunteering their services are Drs. Ed and Forrest Faulkner, Dr. Kaitlin Forshee, and Dr. Ed Shehee.
Other businesses volunteer supplies for the event, according to Masaitis, with medical supplies from Henry Schein and food from vendors like the Grocery Outlet, Guthrie's, Chick Fil-A, and the West Florida Hospital Subway for breakfast and lunch. She also said Pot-O-Gold will provide port-a-potties.
Interested residents should arrive early because, as Masaitis said, people get in line the day before and wait overnight to be seen the day of the event
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Line up for ADC's free day of dental care