Volunteer dentists treated more than 2,000 patients, free of charge, at the California Dental Association's "CDA Cares" event in San Jose, Calif., according to an NBCNews.com report. Patients said the 2-day clinic provided an escape from the vicious cycle of limited dental care and unemployment.

With five broken teeth, three cavities, and a painful gum abscess spreading to her sinuses, Patty Kennedy knew she had to get in line early for the free dental clinic held last month. The 53-year-old woman from Modesto, nearly 100 miles away, was counting on the care to repair not only her smile and her worsening health—but also her chances of getting a job.

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