Day honors late dentist

PERKINS TWP. — Colleagues and fellow professionals intend to honor a late dentist, regarded as a top industry professional and even better human being, by performing free dental care to community members. The Day of Giving Honoring Dr. Jeffery Chen takes place from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday at the Sandusky-area Bright Now! Dental & Orthodontics office, 1313 W. Bogart Road, Suite D. It's near the Campbell Street roundabout. It's recommended that people call ahead of time, 419-627-1255, to reserve a spot, but walk-ins are welcome. In addition to office staff, upward of 10 additional dentists connected to Smile Brands — the parent company of Bright Now! Dental & Orthodontics — will travel to the local area to assist. At no cost, they'll perform free exams, X-rays and simple same-day procedures, such as cleanings, fillings and extractions. "Dr. Chen left a lasting legacy of care in the community, and, in his honor, we can think of no better way to continue that legacy than by helping you smile," according to an event statement. Chen, 55, of Sandusky, passed away unexpectedly in December. As a pedestrian, Chen died after a car struck and killed him in the city. He worked at Bright Now for 26 years "where he enjoyed serving the Sandusky community and valued his colleagues, who felt more like family," according to his obituary, noting he enjoyed running, cheering on the Cleveland Cavaliers and listening to Taylor Swift, a self-proclaimed "Swiftie." Bright Now often hosts these types of community dental events in other communities across the state and country with Chen frequently volunteering his talents at no cost. "He would always go and help others," said Tammy Basnett, Smile Brands' operations director, who's coordinating Saturday's event. In fact, Basnett only trusted Chen to perform dental work on her, putting in three crowns she still has today. "I have known him for 26 years and — I'm not just saying this because he isn't here anymore — he is genuinely the nicest, kindest, most gentle man," Basnett said. "He gave to anyone he could, supporting his entire family in Canada. And he was the life of this office. My team is still not OK with him not being here. He just cared about people so much." Basnett invites anyone, even those who don't need dental work this weekend, to stop by, visit and pay their respects to Chen. "He was just an amazing dentist and an amazing person," Basnett said.