In the Community

The Love Thy Neighbor is an event hosted by Drumright Dental Center to provide treatment to those who have no access to dental care, including fillings, extractions, cleanings, dentures and partials. In 2017, Drumright Dental Center donated more than $200,000 in free dentistry during Love Thy Neighbor.

The Special Olympics Polar Plunge is the coolest event of the winter! A Polar Plunge is a fundraising challenge where individuals or teams brave the bitter cold of the unpredictable Oklahoma winter and dive into a cold body of water in order to raise money for the Special Olympics. In order to participate, individuals or teams collect pledges from friends, family, and colleagues to jump. In 2023, Drumright Dental Center and Godofredo’s Pizzeria teamed up for the first annual “Freezin For A Reason” Polar Plunge in Cushing in an effort to raise money for Special Olympics Oklahoma. More than 50 people braved the cold water in downtown Cushing on January 28th, 2023. The initial “Freezin For A Reason” Polar Plunge raised over $47,150, exceeding the goal of $40,000. All of the money raised through the Polar Plunge helps provide year-round sports training and competition as well as leadership, health, and inclusion programs for the athletes of Special Olympics Oklahoma. The Polar Plunge is a great opportunity to come together as a community and raise money for a great cause.

Dr. Burkett and staff are also volunteers at the Special Olympics Summer games each May in Stillwater, OK. “Once you experience Special Olympics, you will be hooked. You will want to help more local athletes be able to attend the most fabulous sporting event in the nation!” said Dr. Burkett. Special Olympics Oklahoma hosts the largest summer games in the nation with 5,100 athletes attending from across Oklahoma.

Dr. Burkett is the state’s Clinical Director for Special Smiles since 2013 and serves on Special Olympics Oklahoma Board of Directors. Special Smiles provides comprehensive oral health care information, including offering free dental screenings and instructions on correct brushing and flossing techniques, fluoride treatments, and custom mouth guards to athletes participating in Special Olympics.  Each year in May, Dr. Burkett closes down his practices for two days and all of his staff attend the Special Olympic Summer Games. “It is our most rewarding day of our year.” said Dr. Burkett.