Giving back, one dental exam at a time

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Dr. Hawkins poses with his staff. Photo provided by Hawkins Complete Dental Services.

By Jessica Johnston, Reporter

Giving back to the community comes in many different forms, and Dr. Charles Hawkins is using the skills he knows best to provide a little charity.

Friday, Sept. 7 Hawkins Complete Dental Service will host its seventh Free Dental Day. In an effort to give back to the community, Hawkins and his team will donate their time and materials to provide free dental care.

“I believe charity begins at home and wanted to give back to our community,” Hawkins said in an email. “We have so many families unable to receive dental treatment simply because they cannot afford it or (don’t) have insurance.”

From 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. the Hawkins Complete Dental Service staff will perform cleanings, exams, X-rays, extractions and fillings free of charge.

The event operates on a first-come-first-served basis. Hawkins encourages participants to arrive early as space is limited. Tickets for an appointment will be distributed starting at 7:30 a.m.

“Each year this event gets bigger and bigger,” Hawkins said. “On our last free dental day, we were able to provide $10,000 in dental services to the community and we look forward to increasing that number this year!”

Hawkins’ office donates all time and materials needed for the event. Enough supplies are ordered in advance to serve as many people as possible in the four-hour time frame.

Patients can attend the event to meet with Hawkins for a specific dental need or visit a hygienist for cleaning and oral care.

“The health of your teeth and gums affects your overall well-being,” Hawkins said. “It is very gratifying to help the people in our community, and they are always so appreciative. This community has blessed our practice, and I want to pass that blessing on.”