Get free dental care in Romeoville on Oct. 15

Romeoville Smiles Dentistry will offer free dental care Oct. 15 as part of Free Dentistry Day.

Staff will provide cleanings, fillings and extractions on a first-come, first-served basis between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.

“We understand that many people in our community and across the nation haven’t been to the dentist for a long period of time,” Dr. Naimi Shah of Romeoville Smiles Dentistry said in a news release from the practice. “Some don’t understand the importance of dental health, but more often than not, they don’t have the financial means.”

The release said that, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, about 108 million Americans are living without dental insurance. But traditional oral exams have benefits beyond keeping gums and teeth healthy.

Such exams also may detect diabetes, HIV/AIDS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and oral cancer, the release said.

“Dental health is a vital part of a person’s overall health,” Dr. Eric Townsend of Romeoville Smiles Dentistry said in the release. “Through this event, we hope to educate patients on the importance of dental health and encourage them to adopt an ongoing oral care regimen.”

Romeoville Smiles Dentistry is at 450 S Weber Road in Romeoville. For information, call 815-782-8882 or visit FreeDentistryDay.org or RomeovilleSmilesDentistry.com.