Hundreds of people showed up at the Florida State Fairgrounds Friday for free dental care sponsored by the Florida Dental Association.
At 5 a.m., there were about 800 people waiting outside, according to Dr. Terry Buckenheimer, president of the Florida Dental Association.
"And so it was a long line. It was sort of inspiring in a way, because we knew we were doing something that was needed. The bad thing is, we know it's needed," Buckenheimer said. "So, it was a good and a bad feeling."
About 1,300 volunteers from around the state are participating in the two-day Mission of Mercy event, the first one held in Florida.
Buckenheimer said he expects the volunteers will do more than a $1 million worth of free exams, X-rays, cleanings, fillings, extractions and root canals.
The event continues Saturday morning from 5:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. Patients are seen on a first-come, first-served basis.
