AUSTIN — Long lines surrounded the Travis High School gym Friday morning in Austin as people waited to get free dental appointments.
A mobile clinic called "Texas Mission of Mercy" opened their doors at 5:30 a.m. Friday. The Texas Dental Association and St. David's Foundation is behind the clinic, which is completely free and volunteer-run by more than 120 dentists. In all, dentists were expected to help out 800 to 1,000 people over the course of the event.
According to the American Dental Association, there are many adults who do not have access or qualify for programs that provide needed dental care. That leads to even more serious health problems due to untreated dental issues.
Some people traveled overnight to secure a spot in line to sit down with a dentist one-on-one and take care of whatever dental pain or issue they've been dealing with.
"This is unbelievable," said Vicky Morell, who started waiting in line at 8 p.m. Thursday. "I wish we had this where I'm from."
If you missed it Friday morning, the event will be going on at the same time and same place Saturday morning.