Dentists at Bloomington Smile Center and Redbird Dental Care will host "Free Dentistry Day." (Photo By Flickr user Wonderlane)

By Paul Morello

BLOOMINGTON - A pair of local dental practices are offering free services on Friday.

Doctors at Bloomington Smile Center and Redbird Dental Care will provide free cleanings, fillings or extractions to people who may not otherwise be able to afford dental care.

Mindy Garretson, Bloomington Smile Center practice administrator, said the Oct. 12 event is part of "Free Dentistry Day."

"When you go for a job interview or something along those lines and you have a big hole in your front tooth or you have a toothache, to the point where you can't perform at your best duties, it affects you," Garretson said. "Everyone needs a job right now, and that's what we're trying to do."

Dr. Paul Miller and Dr. Anitta Barnabas will provide the services from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Appointments will be accepted on a first come, first served basis.

Garretson said patients will not be asked to prove they can't afford services.

"The community out there knows where they're at in life," she said. "Those that need it should come in."

Appointments can be made at (309) 664-0949 for Bloomington Smile Center, and at (309) 664-6868 for Redbird Dental Care.

Paul Morello can be reached at paul@wjbc.com.