For many years, Napa dentist Adrian Fenderson has unselfishly traveled to poor, remote villages all over the world, treating people in dire need of emergency dental care.

Fenderson is bringing his charity work home.

On June 5, his office in north Napa will become ground zero for his latest effort to reach out to the less fortunate. He will spend a Friday providing free emergency dental care to Napans in need.

He is asking patients who are willing as well as their family members to donate blood at a mobile blood bank parked at his office.

“The economy is tough right now. A lot of people are without jobs and don’t have dental insurance,” Fenderson said. “I am not out to take patients from other dentists. This is strictly for people that need some emergency help until they can get back on their feet.”

Fenderson, who has practiced dentistry in Napa 38 years, said his entire staff will be helping out.

While many of his regular patients are aware of his international philanthropic efforts — has provided dental care in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador and India, where in October he worked six 10-hour days in remote villages — some suggested that a similar effort might be well-received here at home. “So, I said let’s give it a try,” Fenderson said.

Fliers have been distributed to the area homeless shelter, and word has been spread the Fenderson’s office and notices in the Register. “This is really for people who can’t afford emergency care right now,” Fenderson said.

He has no idea how many people are going to show up on June 5. The dentist said it could be anywhere from a handful to more than 100. If he is ov

erwhelmed with patients, some will have to accept rain checks. Fenderson said if this becomes an annual event, he may seek to recruit other local dentists to join the cause.

Fenderson said he “truly has a passion for dentistry and really enjoys it.”

He added that the other dentists in town are supportive of what he does and routinely offer supplies for his mission trips.

During the holiday season, a barrel in the dentist’s lobby collects food for the Napa Food Bank. Everyone who makes a donation is given a ticket for prizes supplied by the doctor. The Napa dentist also offers his time and talents to First Presbyterian Church, where he is an active member.

Other local groups where he lends a hand include Molly’s Angels, Cope Family Center, the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life and the Napa Valley Food Bank. Beyond the valley he is part of the worldwide organization Flying Doctors, providing financial support to a college medical student in Mexico. He and his wife also support World Vision and Compassion International.

Fenderson’s volunteerism and passion for helping the less fortunate began some four decades ago, while he was a member of the U.S. Army serving in Vietnam. He offered free dental work then, “Trying to win the hearts and souls of some of the village people,” he said.

Free Dental Day

WHAT: Dr. Adrian Fenderson will be offering free emergency dental care to people unable to afford it, but has a pressing need. People are also invited to donate blood at a mobile blood mobile parked at his office.

WHEN: Friday, June 5, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

WHERE: 3416 Valle Verde Drive, Napa