Teeth Hurt? Mark August 20th on your calendar

For the third year in a row, Arrowhead Dental (on South County Trail just north of the junction of Routes One and Two) will do an entire day of free dentistry to any person who shows up. The doctors and staff, aided by volunteers, are prepared to treat as many as 120 patients on  Saturday, August 20, 2011 from 7:30 am to 5:00 pm.

Cathy and I have been going to Arrowhead since moving to Charlestown and think they're great, especially our regular dentist, Dr. Nectara Stefano. Arrowhead opened up its beautiful expanded facilities last year enabling them to serve more patients.

Garden surrounding "Lake Arrowhead"

They also have done beautiful work on their grounds. When last year's historic floods created what I like to call "Lake Arrowhead" in a low point on the property, they put a lot of work into converting a semi-permanent wetland into a water-focused natural garden. And almost every dentists' chair in the house faces a window with a bird feeder, well-attended by a nice array of our local meadow and woodland birds.

The doctors will  provide exams, fillings and simple extractions and the hygienists will provide cleanings, x-rays, and sealants. In past years, other volunteers came, such as oral surgeons, who provided most extensive treatment. Call 364.6300 for more information.

The team for last year's event

After Arrowhead piloted the first free dentistry day, Rep. Donna Walsh secured a commendation for the practice from the state legislature and presented it to co-owner Dr. Christine Benoit.

This event is also part of a larger national effort within the Dentistry professional called Dentistry with a Heart. Their website claims that Denistry with a Heart Days will take place in 48 states this year.

Cathy and I were loyal patients of Arrowhead before they started doing these events. But this really clinches it. In these hard economic times, it is truly wonderful to have such good neighbors in the crew at Arrowhead Dental.

Author: Will Collette