White Wolf Dental Group Celebrates Sixth Annual Free Dental Day

Dr. Joseph Valenzi, DMD, founder of White Wolf Dental Group in Port Orange, Florida is gearing up for their sixth annual Free Dental Day event. This year, Dr. Valenzi and his staff anticipate providing free dental care services to approximately 90 patients.

In the past five years, White Wolf Dental has provided free dental services to more than 300 patients. Overall, the group has contributed nearly $90,000 of free dental care to Port Orange residents, a small riverside community established in 1867.

Port Orange sits on the banks of the Halifax River and is home to some 56,000 residents. Referred to as a "Community of Neighborhoods", Port Orange borders alongside South Daytona, Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach Shores, Wilbur By The Sea and Ponce Inlet.

Nearly half of Port Orange residents are aged 25 to 64 and consist of hardworking men and women; many of whom have children to support. With today's recessed economy, many residents are forced to choose between putting food on the table, or taking care of basic dental and healthcare needs. Dr. Valenzi believes it shouldn't be that way and does his part each year to provide much-needed dental care services to the community.

I myself, endured years of agony from dental related pain. I either couldn't find or afford proper care, or did not have insurance support. Fortunately I am past that now, but I was compelled to interview Dr. Valenzi and would like to share our interview with you.

I encourage you to share it with your dentist. Perhaps, together, we could create a nationwide network of dentists offering Free Dental Day once a year. Imagine the impact this could have for people who cannot afford regular dental services!

White Wolf Dental Group Free Dental Day Interview...

Q) What prompted you to organize the Free Dental Day event?

A) I believe charity begins at home and wanted to give back to the Port Orange community. We have so many families unable to receive dental treatment simply because they do not have the money or insurance. The health of your teeth and gums affects your overall well-being and we want our residents to be in good health! It is very gratifying to help the people in our community and they are always so appreciative.

Q) How many years have you organized the Free Dental Day event?

A) This will be our sixth year and each year it gets bigger. We've gone from helping 20 to 30 patients, to attending more than 90 patients in one day. That's a lot of teeth and a lot of improved lives!

Q) What types of dental services are provided?

A) Each patient is given the choice to see a dentist for a specific problem, or a dental hygienist for cleaning and oral care. Services during Free Dental Day include exams, x-rays, cleanings, fillings and extractions.

Q) Who can obtain free dental care during the event?

A) Anyone willing to wait in line for help! We don't ask financial questions and only require basic information. We ask, "How can we help you?" Keep in mind, last year people began lining up at midnight. By the time I arrived, there was already a long line. Also realize we must shut things down at some point in time. Unfortunately, not everyone can be accommodated. My team is dedicated to helping as many of our neighbors as we can. Needless to say, we are always looking to enlist other dentists in our area to assist with the needs of the community.

Q) Are other dentists assisting you during this years' Free Dental Day?

A) Yes, Dr. Danny Parrish and his team have volunteered their services this year. Dr. Parrish and staff have joined forces with White Wolf Dental in the past and enabled us to provide care to a greater number of people in need. We greatly appreciate Dr. Parrish and enjoy having him and his team work with us during the event.

Q) I understand you have sponsors who donate food, bottled water and other services. Tell us more about your sponsors and how you obtained them.

A) Many of our sponsors were contacted by the White Wolf Dental team, while others offered their services or donations after understanding what a worthy cause Free Dental Day is. Our sponsors include Krispy Kreme Donuts, Florida Power and Light, McDonald's, Chick-fil-A, East Coast Print Source, Burns Janitorial Supply, Herb Weems Plumbing, Capital One and Patterson Dental Supply.

Q) What is the date of this year's Free Dental Day event?

A) Friday, November 21^st, 2008

Q) What are the hours of the event?

A) We begin seeing patients at 7:30 a.m. and plan to help approximately 90 individuals. In past years we have had to turn people away who were willing to wait in line for quite some time. That's never a good feeling. But, we do our best to provide quality dental treatment to as many people as possible.

Q) What are your long-term goals for Free Dental Day?

A) I would like to network with 51 area dentists willing to offer free dental services one day, each year, so the citizens of our community have a place to go every week to have basic or even critical dental problems addressed. That would provide our community members, who are unable to afford regular care or insurance, with an alternative that actually improves their lives and well-being.

If you live in the Port Orange or Daytona Beach area and are in need of dental services take advantage of Free Dental Day. The event is hosted at White Wolf Dental on Friday, November 21^st. Doors open at 7:30 a.m. and close once the maximum amount of patients has been reached.

White Wolf Dental Group is located at 1221 Dunlawton Avenue, Port Orange, Florida. Their web address is www.WhiteWolfDental.com.