Libertyville dentist to host 7th annual Smiles From the Heart

On Thursday, June 2nd, adults across the Chicago area will be offered free dental procedures at Lake County Dental Care in Libertyville.

The event, which runs from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. marks Lake County Dental Care’s 7th annual Smiles From the Heart, offering free cleanings, exams, fillings and extractions to adults over 18.

“We choose the adult population because there are more opportunities for children to get care than there are for adults,” said Dr. David Potts, longtime owner of Lake County Dental Care.

Potts noted that because of potential medical complications, the event is not open to pregnant women.

The event is on a first come, first serve basis and allows patients to choose between a hygiene procedure or a filing or extraction.

“Then, if you want more, you can get in line again and go through again if you want to,” said Potts. “We have 8 chairs available so we can see up to 8 people at a time.”

Potts said he got the idea seven years ago when a friend of his who practices in Oklahoma City hosted a similar event.

“It was such a great thing to do for people that I wanted to do it in our area too,” he said.

Whitney Booth, chief operating officer at Lake County Dental Care said Dr. Potts has always enjoyed charity work and welcomes any volunteers who wish to participate.

“It’s a good way to get a lot of help for a lot of people,” she said.

Potts said the number of people they help every year varies, sometimes depending on the weather since patients wait in line outside. The goal, he said, is always to help as many people as possible. Potts said Smiles From the Heart welcomes any dentist in the area who wants to donate their time.

“The really cool thing is just how good all of us feel,” he said. The people we help are just so grateful and it’s just so neat.”

Lake County Dental Care is located at 908 S. Milwaukee Avenue in Libertyville. For more information, go to http://libertyvilledentist.com.