HARTFORD, Conn. -- Connecticut leaders are on a mission to help residents unable to afford dental care.

Lawmakers and supporters of Mission of Mercy met in Hartford on Monday to officially kick off the program.

Mission of Mercy provides free dentistry to those who don't have or can't afford dental insurance.

"One of the things people don't recognize, as we consider the access and support for dental work, and that is, it is not really cosmetic," said Dr. Robert Schreibman, the program's chairman. "This will give the opportunity for one person to get back to work pain free, one kid to go to school pain free."

Anyone is eligible to participate in the Mission of Mercy project.

Dentists and surgeons will perform cleaning, fillings and extractions.

Mission of Mercy was first launched in 2001 by the Virginia Dental Health Foundation, and is held in Kansas, Texas, Nebraska, Colorado and Connecticut. Massachusetts, Vermont and Rhode Island are looking into adopting the program as well.

WHEN:   Saturday, April 12, 5 a.m. to 5 p.m.

               Sunday, April 13, 5 a.m. to Noon


WHERE: The former Tolland High School

1 Falcon Way (Off of Old Cathole Road)
Tolland, CT

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