Four dentists - two from Dentistry on George Street and two from other practices in Dunedin - volunteered for half day shifts to treat the 32 Dunedin patients who signed up for the 30 minute appointments on offer.
Dentistry on George Street owner dentist Michael Smith organised the clinic in Dunedin, in partnership with the NZDA.
He wanted to organise the clinic to help people, and ''raise the profile of dentistry''.
''We do know there are lots of barriers to coming in to the dentist. Lots of people just don't like coming,'' he said.
''We want people to know that dental care is accessible and dentists are caring and want to help people.''
Dunedin resident Lipoi Manu (33) found out about the programme through a course she is taking at the Kokiri Centre in South Dunedin.
She had her last dental appointment about a year ago, when she got a filling, and came to the free clinic because she wanted to make sure everything was still all right, she said.
''I just wanted to get a general check up,'' she said.
''So I thought I'd take up the opportunity while it was there.''
