Some camp out in front of Show Me Center for free dental care

People were camping out Thursday in front of the Show Me Center, not for concert tickets -- for free dental care.

"I'm a little hot, but I'm doing all right," said Troy Kidwell from his foldout chair, where he sits as the first person in line for the Missouri Mission of Mercy free dental clinic, which begins at 5 a.m. today at the Show Me Center.

The clinic offers free services like cleaning, extractions and fillings to all ages. It is sponsored by the Missouri Dental Association and the Missouri Dental Association Foundation.

Kidwell drove 200 miles from Houston, Mo., and has been camped out since 4 p.m. Wednesday afternoon. He said he found the Mission of Mercy website a few months ago when he was searching for affordable dental care alternatives.

"I have periodontal disease and because of that I can't get dental care through the state," Kidwell said. "I can only get my teeth pulled here."

Kidwell said he has been looking for dental care that was "free, cheap, whatever" for some time, and he's not alone. Event organizers for Mission of Mercy predict about 2,000 people will show up to receive dental services throughout the two-day event.

The last clinic, in 2011 in Springfield, Mo., saw 1,846 people; about $1 million in dental care services were provided.

"I saw on the website that people had camped out overnight the last time they held one of these," Kidwell said. "I wanted to be the first in line so I came down here early and camped out in this spot right here by the door."

Behind Kidwell was his nephew and two other men. Group members said they have seen several people driving through the parking lot and checking the line, but no one else had yet joined them.

Mission of Mercy also will take place Saturday. Services will be delivered on a first-come, first-served basis.

srinehart@semissourian.com

388-3641

Pertinent address:

1333 N. Sprigg St., Cape Girardeau, MO