A dental office in Iron Mountain, Michigan, is banking on the difference they can make in their small community. News release The John Fornetti Dental Center recently hosted its 19th annual “Dentistry from the Heart” event, offering free dental services for adults in need. On February 8, 2025, volunteers, staff, and community members came together for this heartwarming initiative that provided cleanings, fillings, and extractions free of charge. Here’s how this event is changing lives and why it matters.
A Day of Compassion and Care
The “Dentistry from the Heart” event is a highly anticipated day for many people in Iron Mountain. 93 people received free dental care this year, with 116 procedures done in just seven hours. The services, which totaled more than $49,000, included cleanings, fillings, and extractions — basic treatments that many people cannot afford on their own.
The owner of the dental center Dr. John Fornetti said the event couldn’t be more important. “There’s so much need that we’ve been witnessing,” he said. “The most common things are infections and broken teeth, and people have been waiting for this event to have the opportunity to get the care they need”.
A Move Toward Preventive Care
This year, however, one of the themes was preventive care. Another change noted by Registered Dental Hygienist Lissa Twardzik: more people are coming in for cleaning, as opposed to just asking for relief for immediate problems, such as cavities or extractions. “We’ve done so much for so many in the community over the years, and we’re seeing a lot more preventive dentistry now,” she said.
This change is encouraging news that the initiative is not just reacting to immediate dental problems but creating the conditions for oral health for life.
Community Spirit in Action
The event is only made possible by the work of 50 volunteers, including dental professionals and community members. They did their best to make sure everything went well, from organizing people waiting in line to offering coffee and soup to a crowd that is often waiting in the cold.
One of the patients, Gwendolyn McKay, credited the event’s organization. “They’ve got it all very well organized,” she said. “It was very straightforward of what had to happen, and I was able to interact with folks in the community. It was awesome”.
Why This Matters
Many in Iron Mountain consider dental care a luxury they can’t afford. With the cost of housing, food, and transport soaring, dental health is often low on the priority list. Events such as “Dentistry from the Heart” offer desperately needed relief and hope for the many who feel they are out of options.
As best said by Dr. Fornetti, “Every day, our mission is to instill hope into the lives of people who weren’t sure there was hope. That’s because dental pain can be downright agonizing, and when you are out of options, it can feel desperate. It’s our way of giving back,” said [name].
Looking Ahead
The success of this year’s event addresses the continued demand for affordable dental care in the community. Though “Dentistry from the Heart” is a one-day-only event, the John Fornetti Dental Center also gives back in support of veterans, through its annual “Dentistry for Our Vets” program, which provides free work for those who served in the military and for our country.
