FOCUS - SEPTEMBER 2017 17 There’s nothing worse than a sore tooth and nothing better than a healthy smile! The caring staff at Port Perry Dental Associates is host- ing a free dental care day for patients in need on Saturday September 15. Registration starts at 8:30 a.m. and closes at noon. Patients may choose from one of the following treatments: cleaning, filling or extraction. Dr. Arif Sajan said that even fully impacted wisdom teeth extractions can be undertaken during Dentistry from our Hearts day. Dr. Sajan pointed out that the staff at Port Perry Dental Associates find it “very rewarding” to donate their time to help patients for free on this designated day. “There’s a good turnout,” Dr. Sajan said. Usually be- tween 100 and 200 patients take advantage of this annual opportunity for free dental care. “We appreciate people’s circumstances,” he comment- ed, adding that even some people with 80% dental benefits can’t afford to pay the extra 20%. “This is a chance for peo- ple to get work done that they cannot afford to get done.” “Some regulars come back every year,” he noted. “Everyone leaves with happy faces.” Dentistry from our Hearts has helped over 900 local residents look and feel amazing over the past five years. Patients must be 18 years of age or over, and are taken care of on a first-come, first-served basis. The public is advised to dress appropriately for the weather, and bring lawn chairs, blankets, water and snacks, because they may have to wait outside for their turn to be seen by a dentist. Dentistry from our Hearts was originally Dr. Rami Marouf’s idea. He has practiced dentistry in many differ- ent countries, including New York City, Turkey and Spain. In keeping with their philosophy of helping the com- munity, Port Perry Dental Associates will also be accept- ing non-perishable items for their food drive. Port Perry Dental Associates is located at 462 Paxton St. in Port Perry, in the Medical Associates building. Their motto is “Spreading Free Smiles!” And that’s exactly what they do. By Lynn Campbell, Focus on Scugog PORT PERRY DENTAL ASSOCIATES GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY SMILE ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I T ’ S FREE 6th Annual Last September, dental hygienist Erin Donaldson, is shown caring for one of the many patients on this day. PHOTOS BY MARYANN FLEMING 11 Water Street, Port Perry 905-985-3684 I montecarlohair.ca MONTE CARLO HAIR SALON CHARLIE the Barber EST. 1975 meets all your barbering needs. CALL FOR APPOINTMENT Brokerage #10428 dayna.ballagh@migroup.ca www.mortgagesbydayna.com PHOTOS BY TRACY SOUCH