BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Dentists recommend getting your teeth cleaned twice a year, but for some people that's just not doable because of the expense or the access to a dentist.
To help with this the University of Buffalo created the "Smiles to Go" Dental Van where people of all ages can get access to free dental services. People do not need insurance and do not need to pay anything, all you have to do is sign a wavier. This van has been helping people for the last five years across Western New York, but the program has been around for almost 20 years.
The van provides anything from dental cleaning, to extractions, x-rays, fillings and if deeper work is needed, people can go to the University of Buffalo for more care.
From Aug. 5-23, the van will be stationed at the Hennepin Community Center at 24 Ludington St. in Buffalo. From Aug. 24-30, the van will relocate to the Seneca-Babcock Arlene Mychajliw Community Center at 82 Harrison St. in Buffalo. In the last week being in the Love Joy District, more than 100 people have already been taken care of and the van's goal is to serve around 300.
"This is just one less barrier for them," Brian Pilarski, Executive Director for the Seneca-Babcock Association said. "But as for dental work and dental care it is top notch it is no different than going to see the dentist."
Faculty members and dental hygienists at UB work in the van and during the rest of the year, dental students work in the van to get hands on experience. The van will be in Buffalo for the rest of the month and then will be stationed in the southern tier for the school year.
To make an appointment call 716-829-2780 or 716-803-3699.
