KALAMAZOO, MI -- Free dental care will be available to Kalamazoo County residents for one day this weekend.

The Dental Day of Caring offers free basic dental care to up to 450 uninsured adults from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, March 23, at Family Health Center’s Alcott campus, 505 E. Alcott St. in Kalamazoo.

Walk-ins will be served at the event, but patients are asked to preregister before Saturday at one of three Family Health Center locations in Kalamazoo: 117 W. Paterson St., 1308 N. Burdick St. or 505 E. Alcott St.

During the one-day clinic, uninsured adults will receive a dental exam and at least one additional service. Services include cleanings, sealants, fillings and extractions.

All services will be provided by volunteers who are fully licensed and certified dental providers, assisted by dental students and supervisors from the University of Michigan.

“Many adults who don’t have dental insurance can’t afford to take care of their teeth, and that poses a big risk to their overall health,” Family Health Center President and Chief Executive Officer Denise Crawford said in a news release. “Dental Day of Caring will tackle that need for hundreds of our community’s most vulnerable residents.”

Poor oral health results in tooth decay, tooth loss, gum disease and related pain, Crawford said. Studies show poor oral health can lead to numerous health issues, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, pregnancy complications, kidney disease, dementia and other conditions, she said.

“Family Health Center focuses on the health needs of the underserved, whoever they are and whatever their circumstances,” Crawford said. “No one, no matter what their situation, should have to suffer from lack of dental care."