Local dentist office to offer “Free Dental Day” to community

WARNER ROBINS—Connie Stevens famously said, “Nothing you wear is more important than your smile,” and healthy teeth can lead to a beautiful smile. 

Finding affordable dental care can be challenging, but a local dentist’s office hopes to be of service this Friday. Middle Georgia Center for Cosmetic Dentistry will host a “Free Dental Day” on Sept. 20. 

Starting at 7 a.m., the public can register for first-come-first-serve appointments between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Dr. Curtis Hayslip and Dr. Haralambos Vlahos will perform procedures, including cleaning, extractions and fillings, with assistance from office staff and student hygienists from Central Georgia Technical College.

Additionally, groups like Houston County Family Connection, Houston County Community Action Agency and Houston County Health Department will be offering resources to attendees.

According to Lauren Carter, the office’s director of marketing, Dr. Hayslip was inspired to start the event in 2018 as a way to give back to his community, particularly those with low incomes and those underserved. The first event was successful, with 76 patients and nearly every available spot filled that year; the following year saw a smaller turnout of just under 40 patients. The COVID-19 pandemic canceled 2020’s event. 

This year, thanks to numerous volunteers and community partnerships, the office is back to hosting the event. 

Carter said 90 slots are available to those who need treatment and may not otherwise have the means to receive care. After those slots are filled, the office will open a no-show waitlist. Registration is exclusive to Friday; there is no option for pre-registration.

She mentioned the event aligns with the office’s and Dr. Hayslip’s passion for healthy smiles and improving quality of life.

“Dr. Hayslip is so passionate about oral hygiene and dental care and ensuring that our patients leave with healthy smiles, beautiful smiles. The health of our patients is the number one priority, so as a result, the health of our community is our number one priority,” Carter said. “Offering this service to our underserved, underinsured, low income community members gives them an opportunity they might not otherwise have.”

Health is essential, but the heart behind it is also worth mentioning.

“It’s really about giving back and putting love and effort and kindness back into the community, the way our patients have given us love and effort and kindness,” Carter said.

Several businesses have donated to the cause in various forms, from bottled water to lunch and nutritional drinks for employees, snacks for those in line, and even portable toilets. Carter said businesses interested in donating can contact her directly at (478) 929-2190. 

Carter encouraged the public to keep up to date on things like parking or ask questions on the event’s Facebook page.

Middle Georgia Center for Cosmetic Dentistry is located at 1295 Russell Parkway, Warner Robins. More information about the office can be found here.