A local dentist will host a Dentistry From the Heart event Saturday in Portsmouth, offering free dental services, including fillings, extractions and cleanings.

This is the first year Dr. Tracy Murray has hosted the event.

It will take place at his office, 1010 Gallia St., from 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Murray will be assisted by another dentist, Dr. Hal Jeter, of South Point.

Dentistry From the Heart is a national non-profit organization with a mission of helping to make people smile, Murray said.

It was founded in 2001, by a dentist in Port Richey, Fla. Its goal is to help people without dental insurance.

"I know there are people out there who need our services, but can't afford to pay for them - whether it's because they don't have a job or no insurance," Murray said. "This is my way of giving back to the community."

A report issued by the U.S. Surgeon General in 2000 said nearly 108 million Americans were without dental insurance of any kind, far more than the number who were without general health coverage.

About 50 people who have preregistered will be treated from 8:30 a.m. until noon.

Then, from noon until 5 p.m., the event will operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants will pick a number. They must be there to respond when their number is called.

The dentists and office workers expect there possibly will be as many as 500 people outside the office.

"No other dentist in our area has offered free dental work," Murray said

G. SAM PIATT can be reached at (740) 353-3101, ext. 236.