Hundreds wait for free dental work

Some slept in tents - others kept warm with only chairs and blankets, but all those outside of Dr. Vicent Monicciolo's office this morning are people who braved the cold for a better smile.

“It’s been cold and I’m thankful it didn’t rain,” said Joyce Nadeau, who camped out all night.

Katherine Woods also spent the night outside the dentist office.

"I have one tooth that really hurts and it's been hurting me for the past three years," she said.

For the past nine years Dr. Vincent Monicciolo and his staff have offered the Dentistry from the Heart Program – giving away thousands of dollars in free dental care for a single day.

"It's tremendous. It's our most gratifying day of the year. We have a lot of people that put a lot of hard work into it and today we get a lot of thanks. A lot of hugs and a lot of tears."

The program grows each year - as word spreads - which caused some to line up for more than 24 hours.

"No dental insurance and I've had a couple of teeth in the back that need to be pulled for months," Nadeau said.

Organizers say the program takes months to plan with more denists and volutneers than ever offering to help.

"We're shuffling people in and out. Everyone is hooked up to radio so we're able to have two or three assistants and doctors in each room,” said Monicciolo.

While dentist and volunteers have a system inside the offices - those waiting outdoors have a system as well. Some say this is their only chance at seeing a dentist all year long so they've made this a yearly tradition.

"This is my third year following up and doing this,” Rachel Schultz said.

"I've had fillings done and extractions and cleanings," said another volunteer, Judy Beren.

Many of those waiting have lost their jobs, insurance, and grateful to finally be getting some dental service.

"Oh my God! Thank you. I've been in pain,” Nadeau said.

Some have waited months for relief - so don't mind camping out a few more hours in the cold for the help they need at no cost.