Thousands expected at free dental event in Downtown Phoenix

PHOENIX (KSAZ) -- Nearly 2,000 people are expected to show up at the Veterans Memorial Colosseum this weekend to get free dental care.

For those thousands of people, the free dental services will be the perfect holiday gift

Daniel and Ashley Osteen said have been waiting all week for the dental services. In reality, they have been waiting for years.

"Dental pain, there's nothing like it," said Daniel. "It'll be in your tooth, but you can feel it in your toes."

"I've got an abscess and a broken tooth with a nerve showing," said Ashley. "Hopefully, I'll be able to eat. I want to be able to eat."

Almost 2,000 volunteers will be treating more than 2,000 patients, over the next few days. For Holly McKnight, it is her 5th year volunteering her time and expertise.

"Having thousands of people who need care tell me that this is an important project, and we should continue to sponsor it," said McKnight.

The event helps facilitate dental basics such as cleanings, fillings, even filling some tooth gaps, but the effects last much longer than just the weekend. The event is put on by the Arizona Mission of Mercy, and provides nearly $2 million worth of free dental care.