JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — When Jamie Ford’s tooth started aching, he did what many people without dental insurance do – he tried to power through it. The young Jacksonville father, who runs his own tree-cutting business, found himself taking multiple Tylenol just to make it through the day.

The debilitating pain eventually drove him to the emergency room. But emergency rooms aren’t dental clinics, and by then, something more serious had developed: MRSA, a dangerous bacterial infection that can spread from an infected tooth directly into the bloodstream.

Ford’s story illustrates a crisis facing thousands of First Coast residents who can’t afford dental care. But there’s hope in the form of the Apple Project, Jacksonville’s only free brick-and-mortar dental clinic, where volunteer dentists provide critical care to those in need. 

The dangers of untreated dental infections made national headlines in 2023 when former Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver Mike Williams died at just 36 years old. The cause? Bacterial sepsis from tooth decay.

“This bacteria entered the bloodstream,” explains Dr. Christina Monford, one of the clinic’s dentists. Dr. Nicholas Leterrie, another volunteer dentist at the Apple Project, emphasizes the severity: “That infection can swell, go into the throat, cut off the throat, go to the brain, and go to the eye. It can kill, yes.”

For an Apple Project patient named Jason, who needed seven infected teeth removed, the revelation was shocking. When asked if he knew his dental condition could be life-threatening, he responded with a simple “No.”

The cost of dental work poses a massive barrier for many. Jason’s procedure – including exams, X-rays, and removing seven teeth – would typically cost around $3,000 at a regular dentist’s office. At the Apple Project, it’s completely free.

“Just to get people out of pain,” says Dr. Heather, one of the clinic’s dedicated volunteers, explaining their mission.

The impact of untreated dental pain can be devastating. “It’s so horrible… I never felt this much pain or felt sick like this in my life,” shares Tierra, one patient who sought help at the clinic. Another patient, Kim, had been suffering for “a year and a half” before finding relief at the Apple Project.

The Apple Project became reality thanks to remarkable community support in 2015, including $1 million fundraising effort. Even local schoolchildren contributed to the cause, with students learning about dental health and the importance of access to care. One class raised $529 through creative fundraising efforts, singing apple songs and discussing the impact of not having access to dental care.

The clinic now offers not just emergency dental work but also preventive care like teeth cleaning – all at no cost to patients. It’s a vital service helping to prevent deadly infections before they start.

For thousands of Jacksonville residents without dental insurance, the Apple Project isn’t just filling cavities – it’s filling a critical healthcare gap, and potentially saving lives in the process.

*Need dental care but can’t afford it? The Apple Project provides free dental services to qualifying Jacksonville residents.*

Here are some common questions/answers:

You need to be low income and have no dental insurance.

To find out details call 904-573-1333.   
You can go online to apply here:  

You are also needed if you can assist the dentist.  Simple training is available.  You could also take blood pressures or clean clinic areas. 

The Apple Project needs you!  To find out more go to:  

Jacksonville, FL  32210 

It is part of Community Health Outreach.

According to CEO Dr. Rob Thomas:

General Exams, X-rays (Panoramic), Fillings, Extractions, Cleanings w/Dental Health Education – No Emergency Treatments

Patients who qualify must be 18 or older

The clinic only covers Duval County. If you don’t live in Duval, check this website for a low-cost or free dental clinic nearest you. Just put your zip code in the search area.

While the Apple Project is the only brick-and-mortar free clinic, here are some other options:

• St. Vincent’s Mobile Dental
• FL Baptist Convention Mobile Dental Unit

Back in 2015, First Coast News worked with Delores Weaver, architect Matthew Garman and the Haskell Company, and multiple businesses and schools to raise more than a million dollars to build the Apple Project.   People tell us they just want to be able to bite into an apple again. 

Feel free to reach out to First Coast News anchor Jeannie Blaylock.

You can text her at 904-361-8289