CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Dental care can be both painful for the teeth and expensive for the wallet. In Corpus Christi, one local dental office is taking steps to ease that burden for community members who struggle to afford basic services.
Family Dentistry by Dr. Baria Yassin, D.M.D., located on the Southside, will host its annual free tooth extraction event on November 19. For the past eight years, the practice has offered this service, responding to the growing number of patients unable to afford essential dental care.
“We see so many patients come in with a toothache and they just need it removed,” said Nelly Diaz, a dental assistant at the practice. “Many cannot afford the procedure because they don’t have insurance or live on a limited income.”
The event operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Patients are encouraged to arrive by noon to ensure the staff can see as many people as possible.
“Some years, the line is very long, and other years, it’s shorter,” Diaz said. “We ask everyone to be patient. We will do our best to assist everyone in a timely manner.”
Each appointment takes roughly 45 minutes and begins with a basic screening. This helps the team determine whether the extraction can be performed in the office or if the patient needs additional care elsewhere.
“If there’s an infection or other issue that requires clearance, we schedule the patient for another day,” Diaz explained. “We make sure they can return and have the extraction done at no cost.”
The team at Family Dentistry emphasizes that the event goes beyond oral health. It reflects their commitment to compassion and community service.
“Above all, we’re Christians. We believe in God and want to help as many people as possible,” Diaz said. “That’s why we do this every year.”
The dental office is also urging local residents to help spread the word, especially to those who may not use social media.
“There are many people in the community who only hear about services through word of mouth,” Diaz said. “Please tell friends, family, and neighbors who may need this help.”
The free extraction event begins at 9 a.m. on November 19. Staff encourage patients to arrive early and remain patient as they work diligently to provide care to all in need.
For those experiencing dental pain and financial barriers, this event offers an opportunity to receive professional care at no cost, reaffirming the practice’s dedication to both health and community service.