LOGAN SQUARE — A Logan Square dentist is spreading love this Valentine's Day by offering free care to those in need.
Folks from near and far started lining up at Big Smile Dental, 2833 N. Milwaukee Ave., around 4 a.m. Tuesday — about five hours before opening — to get free cleanings, X-rays and fillings that they couldn't otherwise afford. As of 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dr. Siegel had treated 80 patients.
"Dentists With Heart," which is in its 12th year, is organized by Theodore Siegel, who has been practicing dentistry in Logan Square and Avondale for the last 23 years.
“I started this charity to help change the lives of those people that didn’t have enough money to take care of the things that you and I take for granted," Siegel said in a prepared statement.
The dentist office said its given $2.5 million in free dentistry and served 5,500 patients during the charity's 12-year run.
Siegel is giving free care until closing, which is 5 p.m.
The treatment doesn't require an appointment. Anyone over 8 years old is eligible for care, which includes cleanings, X-rays, fillings, extractions, diagnostics and pain control. Each patient will get "as much treatment as time allows," according to the dentist office.
