Dentist To Offer Services Free Of Charge

Douglas Roth says he was inspired by a TV special in June about a doctor who was hosting free clinics for the poor in South America.

By Kyle Martin

Hernando today

Published: October 29, 2008

Brooksville - A downturn in the economy and a lack of dental insurance has many people trying to live with painful toothaches.

That's not right, says Dr. Douglas Roth.

On Nov. 22, Roth will open the doors of his Brooksville dentistry practice to anyone in pain or who needs an immediate fix on their teeth — free of charge.

Roth was inspired by a TV special in June about a doctor who was hosting free clinics for the poor in South America. Lately though, the ranks of the unemployed and uninsured have begun to swell stateside and fewer are receiving the care they need, Roth said.

The program "tweaked my sense of duty," Roth said.

On the day of the clinic, Roth and his staff will show up without punching in the clock and get started around 8 a.m. Several teenage volunteers will help direct traffic and parking at the Oak Walk Park, a shopping plaza just west of the Powell Road intersection with Broad Street. Clients will be helped in the order they arrive.

Roth isn't sure exactly what to expect, though he said it will probably entail a lot of tooth pulling. He asks that people use their conscience to decide if their case is truly urgent and deserving.

Roth, 62, said he gained a sense of community by growing up in small town Pennsylvania. He chose dentistry to follow in his father's footsteps and has been peering into mouths across America since 1973.

Now a year and a half into his "semi-retirement" in Brooksville, Roth is looking forward to the upcoming clinic.

Reporter Kyle Martin can be reached at 352-544-5271 or kmartin@hernandotoday.com.