Free dental care offered

Newport Beach periodontist John Chrispens hopes to take some of the bite out of the down economy by offering free dental care this weekend.

He’s giving away his services to whoever shows up to his office between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday.

It’s Chrispens’ way of helping people out who might not otherwise be able to afford dental care, he said.

“We were looking around to see ways we can make a difference and how we can help as a dental team,” Chrispens said.

When the economy goes south, people’s teeth suffer, he said.

“Any time that people have a concern, they’re going to put things off,” Chrispens said.

When people lose their jobs, they often also lose their dental insurance. Many employers also are trimming health benefit plans to cut costs because of the downturn in the economy, Chrispens said.

“There are a lot of patients who are going to stop coming in altogether, so we have to do something to help,” Chrispens said.

This is the first time Chrispens has offered a free clinic in affluent Newport Beach, where he’s practiced for the past 28 years, but he’s volunteered his services as a periodontist to the poor in South America and on Indian reservations in New Mexico in the past.

He has recruited a team of six dental hygienists to help X-ray and treat patients at the free clinic Saturday. Chrispens also got the dentist who practices next door to his offices, David Wilhelm, to offer his services for free.

After reaching out to area nonprofit agencies, churches and schools, Chrispens’ office has been receiving numerous phone calls a day about the free clinic.

Each patient will receive a free dental exam and emergency treatment for dental problems, like cavities and infections.

If the problem is something that can’t be fixed in one day, Chrispens will refer the patient to a dentist or social service organization that might be able to help,

“It they’re in pain, we’re going to help them right away,” Chrispens said.

Chrispens’ office is at 2372 SE Bristol St., Suite A. For more information, call (949) 833-2263.

Reporter BRIANNA BAILEY may be reached at (714) 966-4625 or at brianna.bailey@latimes.com.