Free dental clinic in Hamden

HAMDEN, Conn. (WTNH) -- A Hamden dentist is trying to help make sure people have access to free dental care.

Dr. Gary Pearl is teaming up with the non-profit group "Dentistry from the Heart" to offer free dental services."We just want to give back and help others," he said.

People started lining up outside of Pearl Dental Care in Hamden at 1834 Dixwell Avenue, eager for the dental care many so desperately needed.

Among them was disabled veteran Paul Alexander, who was actually excited to have a tooth pulled.

"It's been bothering me for six months so I'm looking forward to it very much," he said.

This is the second year in a row that Dr. Pearl has offered free dental care through Dentistry from the Heart.

"We see a lot of people with dental disease," Dr. Pearl said. "Dental care is expensive, not everyone can afford it."

His office will see as many patients as they can up until 6 p.m. Wednesday night doing cleanings, extractions and fillings.

"People even e-mail us, relatives call us, people are very grateful," Dr. Pearl said. "That makes us feel good."