Just a day before Santa makes his way around the globe, over 300 dentists have their own whirlwind day of giving.
Every year on December 23, Comfort Dental’s 180 locations offer free dental care to anyone needing care in their community. With locations in 10 states, Comfort Dental offices saw over 3,500 patients in 2023, totaling in over $1.4 million in dental services — all given away for free.
The tradition started in 1984 and now includes more than 300 dentists and 1,300 team members giving away their services for free on the “eve of Christmas Eve.”
Over the past 39 years, Care Day has provided over $22.8 million in dental services at no cost.
“Care Day began as a way to give those without access to dental care a chance to love their smile again,” Comfort Dental’s website explains.
“On Care Day, all services are free to anyone, with all patients served on a first-come-first-served basis. Services include anything from simple cleanings to extractions, with more serious problems evaluated on a case-by-base basis.”
According to an analysis in Health Affairs, cost was the most common reason cited by U.S. adults for avoiding dental care, even though one in three young adults reported having oral health issues so severe they affected their ability to interview for a job.
It’s estimated that about 74 million Americans have no dental coverage — about 23% of the population.
In addition to this, a lack of access to dental care can adversely affect health outcomes outside of the mouth, including heart disease, poor nutrition, and even an increased risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Dr. Rick Kushner founded Comfort Dental in 1977 and pioneered the concept of fair pricing dentistry, according to the company’s website.
Its franchise locations are independently owned and operated by individual dentists, though they all offer $19 new patient visits (including exams and x-rays) and accept Medicaid.
And, of course, on December 23, they all participate in Care Day.
“This is a day we look forward to all year,” Comfort Dental dentist Dr. Jeffrey Crane said in a video. “We get to do a free treatment for people who don’t have dental health, who need care. It’s the right time of year to be giving people treatment for free.”
On December 23, all Comfort Dental locations will be open from 7:30 a.m. to noon for patients in need of free care.
“We provide free dental care to help people,” Dr. Kushner said in a statement. “If someone has a bad tooth, hopefully we make them feel better. For some people, including kids, Care Day might be the only time they see a dentist all year.”
“We’re dentists,” Kushner added, “so we give away dental services for the holidays.”
Header image courtesy of Polina Zimmerman/Pexels
