Dentists from Biddeford to Skowhegan are joining forces this week to help Mainers get their smiles back.

The seventh annual Dentists Who Care for ME event is scheduled for Friday, with 27 dentists and 20 specialists offering free care at their offices to people who can’t afford it or don’t have insurance.

“It’s just something that we thought we could do for people,” said Dr. Demi Kouzounas, a Skowhegan dentist and one of the organizers of the event. “For a lot of people, just one appointment a year can make a big difference.”

The event began seven years ago when Kouzounas and another dentist, Dr. Barry Saltz of Scarborough, organized Portland-area dentists and specialists to volunteer their services for people in need. Since then, nearly 3,000 patients have been seen and about $750,000 worth of free dental services have been provided, Kouzounas said.

The free care being offered Friday includes cleanings, fillings, extractions or referral to a specialist. People will be able to get one treatment each. Kouzounas said the most requested treatment each year has been extractions.

As the event has grown, some people count on it and wait for it all year, she said. Some people drive from as far away as Aroostook County.

Besides dentists, dental hygienists will be on hand to help educate people, especially those who rarely see a dentist, about caring for their teeth, Kouzounas said.

The participating offices this year are in Biddeford, Buxton, Damariscotta, Lisbon Falls, Portland, Scarborough, Skowhegan, South Portland and Yarmouth. Most will open at 8 a.m. Friday but their hours will vary. Services will be offered on a first come, first served basis.

To see a complete list of the participating dental offices, go online to Dentistswhocareforme.com

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