Free Dental Care Offered In Apopka

Free dental care for people who can't afford to visit a dentist was being offered at an Apopka clinic Friday. Dr. John Gammichia and his father, Dr. Victor Gammichia, spend one day every February giving free dental care. Last year, 100 people were treated.

"Last year, the economy was so great that there weren't as many people here," said John Gammichia. "This year, it's a tough year. People are becoming more and more desperate."

The service, which is being offered at 450 Errol Parkway in Apopka (see map), began at 7:00am. The last patient will be treated at 4:00pm.

Alfred Trettner, 25, was first in line. He heard about the free clinic and took two busses up from Kissimmee and arrived at 12:30am.

"I cut my tongue about four times a week because my broken teeth are razor sharp. I want to get 8 hours sleep without getting up. I’m in pain," he said.

"I've had Medicaid for a couple years and I have yet to find one that's accepting, so this is a blessing," said mother Catri Thompson, who brought her young son.

The Gammichias aren't the only ones volunteering their time. A handful of dentists and oral surgeons staffed the Gammichias' eight treatment rooms.

A dental supply company donated cotton rolls and resin for fillings. Also, two Central Florida endodontists, who specialize in root canals, have volunteered to treat any patients Gammichia sends over.

The Gammichias have hosted "Dentistry From the Heart," a free one-day clinic for the under-served, for four years. "Dentistry From the Heart" is an annual volunteer event that was started in 2001 by a New Port Richey dentist and does not involve government paperwork.

"I didn't want any red tape," said John Gammichia. "If someone needs care, I don't want them to have to fit in a box."

Apopka restaurants and a nearby grocery store have prepared food and handed it out to the crowd that gathers in the parking lot in the past. However, this year those businesses are hurting, so the Gammichias and their team of volunteers are trying to fill the gaps.

"Our staff always volunteers and this year, our patients are volunteering too, which is really great. They hear about the event, and they want to help. You see people's desire to help other people," John Gammichia said.

A local church is supplying people waiting on line with water. The Gammichias said they'll give away $25,000 in free dental care Friday.