The Only Opportunity for Some to Get Care
free dental care
Comfort Dental Care Day is when our offices work to fulfill a promise—to give everyone access to quality dental care they deserve. On December 23, all our locations will offer FREE dental care to those needing care in their community from 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon.
about care day
Since 1984, Comfort Dental has offered free dental care to community members on the eve of Christmas Eve. Care Day began as a way to give those without access to dental care a chance to love their smile again. On Care Day, all services are free to anyone, with all patients served on a first-come-first-served basis. Services include anything from simple cleanings to extractions, with more serious problems evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Over 300 Comfort Dental dentists and 1,300 team members will donate their time this Care Day.
In 2023, our offices saw over 3,500 patients nationwide, donating over $1.4 million in dental services. Since its beginning in 1984, Care Day has provided over $22.8 million in dental services for free. President and Founder of Comfort Dental Dr. Rick Kushner says, “We provide free dental care to help people. If someone has a bad tooth, hopefully we can make them feel better. For some people, including kids, Care Day might be the only time they see a dentist all year. We’re dentists, so we give away dental services for the holidays.
how to prepare for care day
To make the most of your Care Day visit, we recommend arriving early as services are provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Doors open at 7:30 a.m. on December 23, and many patients begin waiting before opening time to ensure they receive care. Please bring a valid photo ID and any relevant medical information, including current medications and known allergies. If you’re bringing children, consider packing snacks and activities to help them stay comfortable during the wait.
While all services are provided free of charge, it’s helpful to have a specific understanding of your dental needs or concerns to communicate with our team. If you’ve been experiencing tooth pain, sensitivity, or other dental issues, make note of these symptoms to share with the dentist. For those seeking routine preventive care, our team will provide comprehensive cleanings and examinations. Remember that while we strive to accommodate everyone, some complex procedures may require follow-up appointments at regular office visits due to time constraints on Care Day.
the community impact of care day
Care Day represents more than just free dental services — it’s a demonstration of Comfort Dental’s commitment to addressing the significant oral health disparities that exist in communities across America. According to the American Dental Association, nearly 74 million Americans lack dental coverage, and many go years without essential dental care due to financial barriers. For families struggling to afford basic necessities, dental care often becomes a luxury they simply cannot afford, leading to serious health consequences that extend far beyond oral health.
The ripple effects of Care Day extend throughout the year as patients who receive emergency treatment can return to work, children can focus better in school without tooth pain, and families gain access to education about preventive care that helps them maintain better oral health long-term.
Many Care Day patients report that their visit serves as a catalyst for establishing regular dental care, with some becoming ongoing patients who utilize Comfort Dental’s affordable membership plans throughout the year. Our team members often share stories of patients who express profound gratitude — from single mothers who can finally smile confidently at job interviews to elderly patients who can eat comfortably again after receiving necessary extractions or restorative care.
The volunteer spirit demonstrated by over 300 dentists and 1,300 team members on Care Day reflects the core values that drive Comfort Dental’s mission year-round. These dedicated professionals donate their time and expertise because they understand that oral health is fundamental to overall wellness and quality of life. By providing over $1.4 million in free services in a single day, Care Day serves as a powerful reminder that access to dental care should not be determined by one’s ability to pay, but rather recognized as an essential component of community health and human dignity.
more about Comfort Dental
- Comfort Dental’s core mission is to expand access to quality dental care by making it affordable and convenient.
- New patients pay just $19 which includes exam and x-rays with payment required at time of service.
- Braces are $99 per month with the Gold Plan.
- Comfort Dental’s fees are 40% to 50% less with the Gold Plan when compared to other dentists. Without the Gold Plan, fees are about 25%-30% less.
- Almost all Comfort Dental offices accept Medicaid. Most dentists’ participation in Medicaid lags far behind others in the medical profession. (source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)
- Comfort Dental offers extended regular office hours including Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM, Saturdays, 7:30 AM to 1:30 PM, and 24-hour emergency access.
- For people and businesses who don’t have dental insurance, Comfort Dental offers their own dental plans – Gold, Silver and Diamond Plans offer more discounts on services. Comfort Dental’s membership plans are not insurance but rather a reduced fee plan. See ComfortDental.com for more information about the Gold Plan.
- Comfort Dental is the largest dental franchise in America with offices in 11 states. All Comfort Dental-branded dental practices are independent franchisees owned and operated by licensed dentists. Dental services and office practices may vary across dental practices.
- Dr. Rick Kushner, D.D.S., founded Comfort Dental in 1977 and pioneered the concept of fair pricing dentistry.