Lining Up For Free Dental Care

(CBS)  Going to the dentist can be a painful experience. But for many, the real pain comes when trying to pay for it. More than 100 million Americans don't have dental insurance. That's more than one-third of Americans. What can they do? CBS News correspondent Seth Doane found one answer, as part of his continuing series on The Other America.

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Even before dawn, some people have been waiting for hours.

When Doane visited the line outside a free dental clinic, he asked "what time did you guys get here?"

"One o'clock," a group said.

Others have waited for years just to see a dentist. It's a luxury the uninsured can't afford.

"Oh gosh, no way," one said. The other: "Way too expensive."

But in Loveland, Colo., for two days only, dental care is free.

Bruce Bergstrom, head of Doane said to volunteer pedicatric dentist John Fales. "Yeah, it is, but it's just a way to give back," he said.Fales closed his Kansas City office for a few days and flew five members of his staff to the clinic.One of his first patients is 8-year-old Jericho Rogers, who was up at 2 a.m. to get there."He says he hasn't seen a dentist in three or four years - are you surprised by looking at his mouth?" Doane said."No, not at all," Fales said. "There's a lot of children running around in the United States that have cavities just like this - and mostly just for lack of good dental insurance coverage."Jericho's parents need help, too. His mom's job at a sandwich shop doesn't provide dental.If she had to have six cavities filled by a dentist and pay for it, what would she have to pay?"Probably over $1,000," said dentist Stephanie Kaufmann. "A thousand dollars? That's my rent payment a month - so, it's either rent or get my teeth fixed … well, I'm going to go for a roof over my head!" Cindy Rogers said.

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Read more about Seth's story at Couric & Co. Blog

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Her husband, Richard, has a mouth full of problems, too. A job in a lumber store that doesn't cover it and a price tag he can't afford.

"Oh, no way," he said. "I'd have to sell my car to pay for that."

About 1,500 patients were treated that day - and given more than $1.2 million worth of care

"I can't afford this expense," said Mandy Lujan, who brought her toddler in. "So it's a blessing to be able to bring her here and have the work done that we need to have done."

A trip to the dentist is nothing anyone looks forward to, but for those who can't afford to go at all, a little pain doesn't hurt at all.

[boslott]

If you can make it to North Carolina, you can get free dental work. Our program travels around rural parts of NC, sets up 30-80 dental chairs, with units, and provides cleanings, fillings, and extractions, depending on what you need. If you would like more information or the calendar of our Events (we operate year-round), check out our website: http://www.ncmissionsofmercy.org

[THEBESTAPPRAISER]

WELL I AM AT THE PLACE OF NO RETURN...I HAVE 20 REMAINING TEETH THAT NEED TO BE REMOVED DUE TO BEING ABCESSED AND INFECTED. THE PAIN IS SO BAD I USE A BOTTLE OF ANBESOL EVERY 3 DAYS. THE PROBLEM WITH THE TEETH HAS BEEN CAUSED BY BEING DIABETIC AND TAKING PAIN PILLS FOR THE PAST 10 YEARS FOR SPINAL PROBLEMS. MY BLUE SHIELD INSURANCE WILL NOT HELP. IT DOESN'T LOOK LIKE ANYONE ELSE WILL EITHER. I HAVE BEEN SEARCHING THE INTERNET FOR WEEKS NOW. I AM TOLD THAT WHEN THE INFECTION (BY BOTH DOCTOR AND DENTIST) ENTERS MY BLOODSTREAM THAT IT WILL START TO ATTACK MY MAJOR ORGANS AND THEN I WILL DIE. IT IS CALLED SEPSIS. HOW SAD THERE IS NO ONE WILLING TO HELP ME. I WILL BE GLAD TO PAY FOR IT OVER TIME, IF ONLY SOMEONE WILL LET ME. NOTE: I HAVE A 31 YR OLD AUTISTIC SON THAT REQUIRES 24/7 CARE. WHO WILL TAKE CARE OF MY MICHAEL WHEN I DIE? DOES ANYONE IN THE WORLD CARE? IS THERE A DENTIST OUT THERE WITH COMPASSION? IF YOU ARE THERE, PLEASE E-MAIL ME. I WANT TO LIVE..I AM ONLY 58 YRS OLD. HELP!!!!

[not-smiling]

Where are these free dental clinics ? At 65 I have Medicare and Medicaid. I receive Social Security only. I have BAD teeth and gums, with painful sores in my throat and the corners of my mouth. My PCP has recomended that I have my teeth pulled, and at this time, I'd just like to get them all pulled. I'd rather have no teeth at all than the constant pain and smell and slimeyness. (I don't even know if that's a word) Eating is very painful. The swollen gums react when I try to chew and food gets in the cavities. My Grandchildren refuse to come even near enough for a hug. Some how Medicaid and Medicare overlap in such a way that I have a deductible of $290.00 for dental work, and that's for extractions only. I can't afford that. I go to a food pantry once a month and the Commodity Food Program once a month. I want to be able to smile again....... Manchester, NH

[mamawsister]

hi..my name is sissy,i have no insurance for the dentist,my teeth have got so bad i can not eat.it hurts so bad when i do eat.my gums are sore and swelled.its got to the point i have to stop eating cause it hurts so bad when i chew.and now i have lost weight too.i thurts to drink anything cold hot or warm. cant brush my teeth,the pain is getting so bad,if there is anyone who can help me please let me know.please.my email is [e-mail]..is there any where i can go for help..?? thank you and God Bless you all..

[aggiekat2004]

I had dental insurance until I got laid off from my job...but when I went in recently to replace a crown that I had crushed, I wasn''t told that it WASN''T COVERED at the measly 40% coverage I was promised until I was out of the chair, my old crown had been removed, and most of the work had been done!

Humana actually has a one-year waiting period on major dental work, and I was two weeks shy of my one-year anniversary...and they refused to pay it.

Insurance companies are criminal. Not only do medical providers have to charge too much to cover their malpractice insurance, but then insurance companies don''t pay for a *** thing!

[daniel4102]

My name is Melissa Broussard. I live in Arnaudville, La. I am writing this because this particular story of dental care has caught my attention especially close to my heart. My husband has been suffering for years with his teeth. I have to say when i first met him, i never noticed that all is top teeth where in such decaying condition. He has taught himself to hide it when he speaks and to put aside the pain everyday. It does interfere with everyday life. When he speaks to co-workers, in the back of his mind he thinks they notice his teeth. It makes him shy away from his true personality. He is a very loving and gentle soul. I have hunted for dental assistance for him for a long time. But our credit issues come into play and no one will finance his dental work. I know that some dentists gave us quotes of between $4000 to $8000 to have what he needs done. Which is pulling almost all of his top teeth and giving him an implant. I wasn''t even looking for free dental care. In my life nothing has ever been free. But i pray all the time for him that someone could cut him a break. Just once. I guess what i was wondering is if there is a place where they can finance even people who have bad credit i would try really hard to get him there. If anyone knows a place please post it. My husband does everything he can everyday of his life to make me happy. If i could do this one thing..... well i could make him smile an actual smile! Thank you. Sincerely, Melissa Broussard

[daniel4102]

My name is Melissa Broussard. I live in Arnaudville, La. I am writing this because this particular story of dental care has caught my attention especially close to my heart. My husband has been suffering for years with his teeth. I have to say when i first met him, i never noticed that all is top teeth where in such decaying condition. He has taught himself to hide it when he speaks and to put aside the pain everyday. It does interfere with everyday life. When he speaks to co-workers, in the back of his mind he thinks they notice his teeth. It makes him shy away from his true personality. He is a very loving and gentle soul. I have hunted for dental assistance for him for a long time. But our credit issues come into play and no one will finance his dental work. I know that some dentists gave us quotes of between $4000 to $8000 to have what he needs done. Which is pulling almost all of his top teeth and giving him an implant. I wasn''t even looking for free dental care. In my life nothing has ever been free. But i pray all the time for him that someone could cut him a break. Just once. I guess what i was wondering is if there is a place where they can finance even people who have bad credit i would try really hard to get him there. If anyone knows a place please post it. My husband does everything he can everyday of his life to make me happy. If i could do this one thing..... well i could make him smile an actual smile! Thank you. Sincerely, Melissa Broussard

[daniel4102]

My name is Melissa Broussard. I live in Arnaudville, La. I am writing this because this particular story of dental care has caught my attention especially close to my heart. My husband has been suffering for years with his teeth. I have to say when i first met him, i never noticed that all is top teeth where in such decaying condition. He has taught himself to hide it when he speaks and to put aside the pain everyday. It does interfere with everyday life. When he speaks to co-workers, in the back of his mind he thinks they notice his teeth. It makes him shy away from his true personality. He is a very loving and gentle soul. I have hunted for dental assistance for him for a long time. But our credit issues come into play and no one will finance his dental work. I know that some dentists gave us quotes of between $4000 to $8000 to have what he needs done. Which is pulling almost all of his top teeth and giving him an implant. I wasn''t even looking for free dental care. In my life nothing has ever been free. But i pray all the time for him that someone could cut him a break. Just once. I guess what i was wondering is if there is a place where they can finance even people who have bad credit i would try really hard to get him there. If anyone knows a place please post it. My husband does everything he can everyday of his life to make me happy. If i could do this one thing..... well i could make him smile an actual smile! Thank you. Sincerely, Melissa Broussard

[dmann991]

I think it''s great that these dentists are givign their time and energy to this project! It shows real compassion for humanity.

[papurdy]

It is a shame, that so many need dental care in this country and can not afford. Am one of the lucky ones at least have some insurance, but my co-pays are so high can not afford to go to dentist. Why is it that these dentist that are doing a great thing at these clinics can not do it in their home towns, It does not make sense to me, My guess is it has something additional to do with insurance company''s and the bottom line.