It’s a Saturday of special patients in St. Petersburg at the St. Petersburg Free Clinic’s dental camp.

Dr. Geetha Kamath began them about four years ago.  And, interestingly, she is not a dentist. She is an oncologist, but she is well aware of the need for good dental care.

“We started first (with) just two. Two times, it became three times.  Last year and this year we did four,” Dr. Kamath said.

And these four times a year clinics are free.

“We hear their stories over and over again.  How helpful it has been.  Helping them because most of the patients cannot afford dental care,” Dr. Kamath explained.

One of the volunteers is Clearwater dentist Dr. Mamata Ponnaganti, who took a few minutes to talk to Everyday Hero host Bill Murphy about a busy day ahead.

“I guess we have scheduled 70 patients, but we are doing multiple procedures on each and every one of them.  So multiple extractions, multiple fillings,” Dr. Ponnaganti said.

And what about volunteering a full day’s work on a weekend?

“Whatever I can help,” Dr. Ponnaganti said smiling.  “I love to do this.  I’d love to do it more. So that’s the least I can do.”

For the patients, this excellent care at no cost is certainly a wonderful thing.

Maggie Ryan was there having work done in preparation of receiving a new bridge.

“They offer a great service,” Ryan said.  “Everyone is professional.  I don’t know what I’d do without them.”

And for the doctor who made these free clinics a reality, the pay back is fantastic.

“The joy I get from doing this is unbelievable,” Dr. Kamath said.  “I cannot even explain to you what joy it is to help people.”