Dental professionals worked together for the benefit of Mesquite and east Dallas area community members in need at a special “Dentists with a Heart Day” on February 17th.   The event was sponsored by the Mesquite Rotary Club, and occurred at the Mesquite offices of Dr. Byron McKnight and Dr. Ken Taylor, who donated their services and facility for the day.  In a very successful effort, this team served 47 area patients in need, providing them with life-changing care through free dental services that would normally have been worth a total of $53,000.  The patients were referred for the event from Mission East Dallas, International Street Church, The Family Place, Dallas Christian Women’s Job Corps, Baylor Scott and White, Skillman Church, and the Mesquite ISD.
 
Also involved were dentists Dr. Sloan Hildebrand, Ron Bosher, Tommy Reed, Cam Johnson, Richard Dirksen, and hygienists Lisa Blanton and Sandy Collins along with many volunteers. Helm Dental Lab provided the lab work for everyone in advance, and onsite which included partial and full dentures. This team provided cleanings, fillings, prosthetics, and extractions for patients. Helm Dental Lab provided the lab work for everyone in advance, and onsite.
 
The dentists and hygienists working at the event also provided dental education and hygiene instructions to the patients in attendance.  Also participating were the Mesquite Panera Bread and Chick-fil-a restaurants, who donated meals to support the dental personnel and volunteers.