At the “happiest dental office in Canada,” Bradford West Gwillimbury residents can get free basic dental service this Friday.
For the past seven years, Dr. Jesse Chai and his team at Bradford Family Dentistry have hosted Dentistry from the Heart — providing fillings, cleanings and extractions free of charge to families and individuals from BWG and beyond.
Over the years, a total of 685 patients have received free dental services valued at more than $178,000 – some lining up as early as 2 a.m. to be first in line.
The event was started by Florida dentist Dr. Vincent Monticciolo in 2001 after he learned more than 100 million Americans — almost 1 in 3 — did not have dental insurance and could not afford basic dental services.
He launched the event to provide a day of free fillings, extractions and cleanings on a first-come, first-served basis to members of his community.
Monticciolo’s gift caught on, inspiring other dentists to offer a day of free services in their own communities.
Now, more than 300 Dentistry from the Heart events are held each year in the U.S., Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada.
Chai first heard of the event in 2010.
“We were at a course, and the lecturer was talking about this event he had founded,” he said. Chai spoke with his team, whom he said agreed “this sounds like a good idea!”
“A lot of people come here because they need help. They can’t afford the care they need. We’re helping them where we can,” Chai said. “Sometimes we all need a little help.”
Dr. Chai and his team, including 10 staff members and five volunteers, will be providing free services on a first-come, first-served basis (no appointments) at what some local residents call the “happiest dental office in Canada.”
The rooms at Bradford Family Dentistry are filled with all kinds of memorabilia — from Disney princesses, to sports stars and Star Wars characters — and smiles are always free.
Dentistry from the Heart
May 25
8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Bradford Family Dentistry, 76 Holland St. W.
