MIDDLETOWN, Conn. -- One-thousand people braved the rain Saturday morning to line up for free dental care in Middletown.

Great concern was raised Saturday that clinics like the Mission of Mercy might be in greater demand is Medicaid care is cut for adults over the age of 21.

“I was coming for extracting, got a filling because it was more severe,” said Laura Caron, of Newington.

Caron said her situation could have been worse. Because of the Mission Of Mercy, she was able to get the emergency dental care to prevent the pain from getting worse.

Thousands waited in line on Friday and Saturday for a seat in one of the clinic’s dental chairs. Some of those who attended are on Medicaid.

Gov. Jodi Rell has proposed limiting dental visits for Medicaid patients, only allowing them to visit during emergency situations.

“I think that’s really horrible and it will end up spending more. Think the governor should re-think it,” Caron said.

The Connecticut State Dental Association agrees.

Dr. Jon Knapp said in the past two days, the dentists have seen many situations that could have gotten worse if they didn’t get the right treatment. He said cutting care would lead to more emergencies, more emergency room time, costing the state more money.

“Every person in here could end up in an emergency room. Costs are tremendous and at that point, they could lose the tooth,” said Knapp.

A spokesman for the governor said, “Dental services for welfare recipients is an optional program that cost taxpayers tens of millions of dollars a year. At a time of such huge deficits, it’s an option we simply cannot afford. It’s that simple.”

Knapp said keeping the program would not only help the state in the long run, but maybe one day, cut down the need for emergency clinics like Mission of Mercy.