"I've always said I like doing dentistry so much I'd do it for free," said Barry Greenley, staff dentist at the OU College of Dentistry.

Greenley got the chance to prove he meant what he said Saturday. He was one of about 200 dentists, faculty, staff and students and professional dentists who treated more that 250 people during Community Service Day '95.

The event was designed to help people in the community who do not have access to dental care. It was started 10 years ago by a group of Edmond dentists and is held every two years.

In 1989, the College of Dentistry got involved. It's part of the OU Health Sciences Center and the only dental college in the state. The facility is the only one large enough to accommodate that number of patients.

Dr. Frank Miranda, dean of clinical affairs, said the day provides the opportunity for dentists to give something back to the community.

Brandi Pennington had a cavity filled in a front tooth.

"I thought they were really nice to do this because I couldn't afford to go to a dentist," Pennington said. "I called my mom in Douglas, and she drove an hour and 15 minutes to get here. She's having teeth pulled and a root canal."

Sharen Williams sat patiently in one of the waiting rooms. She said her friend, Abi Miller, a junior at the college, had called her at 1 a.m. to tell her about the project. After having her teeth cleaned, she drove back to Norman to pick up some friends.

"They're all getting fillings," Williams said.

Miller spent the day helping patients determine what services they needed. "I just wanted to help out," Miller said. "I thought it would be fun not being graded."

Dr. Dan Dalzell, chairman of the pediatric department, looked at the room of dentists working on kids and prepared to go home. He said he wasn't tired, even though he helped treat about 73 kids.

"It's been worthwhile," Dalzell said. "I'm glad to do it.