OCOEE, Fla. – Colonial Drive Family Dentistry helped community members smile brighter this holiday season by providing free tooth extractions, marking their 11th year of the charitable initiative.
The annual Free Dental Day, serving the Ocoee and greater Central Florida community, helped 300 to 350 patients on a first-come, first-served basis on Friday.
“This holiday season, what we’re trying to do is eliminate one pain point, whether physical or financial, for patients,” said Dr. Tommy Dorsey, owner and head doctor at Colonial Drive Family Dentistry. “They have the opportunity to come to our practice and have one dental extraction at no charge.”
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The initiative came at a crucial time, as dental expenses constitute more than a quarter of overall healthcare out-of-pocket expenditures for many Americans, according to a National Institutes of Health report. For some patients, the timing couldn’t have been better.
“Right in time for Christmas. That’s my Christmas money I got in my pocket,” said Ryan, a returning patient who attended last year’s event. “Saving a couple hundred dollars... I appreciate it.”
The practice has grown the event significantly, collaborating with six different dentists from the local area. “We’ve grown to that magnitude where it can’t just be one or two doctors anymore,” Dr. Dorsey explained. “We want to be able to serve patients efficiently and give them great experiences.”
Understanding that dental visits can be intimidating for many, the practice emphasized creating a welcoming environment. “We know that dentistry can sometimes be a fearful place to go,” Dr. Dorsey acknowledged. “We want to make sure that patients are comfortable, happy, and are treated with the world-class experiences that we like to provide.”
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The initiative helped address a significant healthcare gap, as untreated dental issues affect nearly 3.7 billion people globally, according to the World Health Organization. Access to dental care remains a challenge for many due to financial barriers and limited insurance coverage.
For Dr. Dorsey and his team, the day was about more than just providing free services.
“It’s most important to be able to give back because of God’s purpose for me,” Dr. Dorsey shared. “To be able to serve, to be able to lean into my skill set, to have such a phenomenal practice and team that supports me to be able to touch lives during this holiday season, it’s just a blessing.”
Colonial Drive Family Dentistry plans to continue this holiday tradition in the years ahead, helping ensure community members have access to needed dental care regardless of their financial situation.