CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- For the past 13 years, Dr. Theodore Siegel and his colleagues at Big Smile Dental, 2833 N. Milwaukee Ave., opens their doors on Valentine's Day to those who need it most.
"We see people start lining up the night before," said Ana Salinas, Big Smile Dental. "We see people out there with blankets, tents, chairs. They are getting ready to sleep out there so they can be the first when the doors open."
Starting at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 14, the office will offer free dental services.
"Anywhere from cleanings, extractions, fillings to pain control. We will be allowing the people who don't have the funds to do this and get that taken care of," she said.
No advance appointments will be made. Patients will be given a time for treatment when they arrive and will be seen on first come first-served basis.
"It's the highlight of our year. Every year, it gets bigger and bigger. We triple our staff, other dental offices come in and help us, so it's fun and rewarding," she said.
Patients under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
"I'm always amazed how many people need this. They come from as far as Indiana. So many people can't afford to go to the dentist. It's sad to know not a lot of people have the luxury of coming to the dentist," Salinas said.