More than a thousand dental professionals will be in Pueblo Friday and Saturday to offer free dental treatment for low-income and dentally uninsured individuals.

The clinic, operated by the Colorado Mission of Mercy (COMOM) is anticipating helping at least 1,500 children and adults over the next two days. The portable clinic, which will be located at the Colorado State Fairgrounds, will operate 125 dental chairs simultaneously on a first-come, first-serve basis beginning at 6 a.m. both days and running well into the afternoon. Treatments include cleanings, fillings, extractions and limited oral surgery, and will be conducted by dentists, hygienists and other professionals from across the state. Free flu shots will also be available.

"Access to dental care is a huge problem for many families, especially in this region of the state. Thousands of individuals cannot eat, sleep, concentrate at work or function because of oral pain. COMOM was established to help those who cannot afford dental care with their most urgent dental needs,” COMOM Board President Dr. John Hanck said in a statement.

The American Dental Association says that 80 percent of dental disease occurs in the chronically economically disadvantaged. Hanck says the state is working to more effectively provide access to dental care for the entire population.

The event is expected to fill up quickly, so those wishing to be seen should come as early as possible. There are no advance appointments. Those under 18 must have a parent or guardian present.

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