Cupid is working overtime.

This Valentine’s Day his quiver is filled with toothbrush arrows aimed at spreading dental health. Lucky for the little guy with a cherub face, he’ll have a little help showing people that going to the dentist can be very fulfilling and it doesn’t have to hit a nerve.

For the second year, Oak Harbor dentist Dr. Timothy Wezeman and his staff are busy at work offering free dental care today, Feb. 14.

You’ve probably seen the ad: “Dentist with a Heart, Free Dental Care Feb. 14” and asked, “Is that for real?”

Last Valentine’s Day 60 patients came to the first free day of dentistry, and today, the staff is back at it again.

“It’s going to be a hectic day,” said Tammy Olander, who works the office’s front desk. “We’re all going to be very tired at the end of the day but it’s all worth it.”

The day is designed to offer dental care for anyone who could not otherwise receive it.

People will come needing fillings, extractions, cleanings, dental repairs and emergency care. You name it. Most appointments will take a half hour or less, but if something’s a little more complex and can be done in an hour — that’s fair game too.

“We try to address the most urgent issues,” Wezeman said.

The dental office’s staff of 10 employees donate their time on this day that will resemble one hyperactive ballet of patient juggling.

“It’s crazy, once a patient is seen you have to immediately prep the room for the next,” said Darlene Kiefer, office manager.

Wezeman’s wife, Nancy, will bring a big buffet of food so staffers, if they have a free minute, can sneak away for a bite to eat.

“We don’t take a lunch break that day,” Kiefer said. “We work from 8 a.m. to whenever we’re done.”

Kiefer has worked at the office for 23 years. She said whether it’s the free dental care on Valentine’s Day or working with the Senior Center on dental care, she’s not surprised by Wezeman’s generosity.

“He loves dentistry and can’t stand to see someone not get help,” Kiefer said. “It’s really important to him.”

The staff shares his enthusiasm to help and all volunteer to do it for free.

“They really have fun with it,” Olander said. “It’s a day so different from our normal routine.”

Wezeman said that while volunteering his time at the former north end health clinic he realized there are so many patients whose needs slide under the radar.

“People have no income, no assets, family support or resources to get dental care,” he said.

Wezeman has been practicing dental care in Oak Harbor since 1979. He graduated from the University of Washington dental school in 1976.

His modesty is as advanced as his dental skills, Olander said.

“He’s very giving, even to us as a staff,” she said.

The free dentistry on Valentine’s Day evolved out of a contest the dental office held a few years back.

“We chose one person to give a complete makeover to, but that wasn’t enough for Dr. Wezeman,” Olander said. “He wanted to help everyone who needed care.”

In college Wezeman applied to a number of different professional schools because of his love of science. But it was dentistry that drew him in.

“There’s always different and new things to do,” he said.

And whether people go to Wezeman’s office today or not, he wants to encourage people to take care of their dental needs. He points to Care Credit offered at most every dental office as making dental care more affordable.

“The Sea Mar clinic here in town is great too,” he said of the Oak Harbor clinic that bases cost on a patient’s income.

No matter where you get your dental care, Wezeman said it’s important to get that care. And if you really want to be sweet to your teeth and gums, you need to cut the sweets. So this Valentine’s Day, consider giving your teeth a little love.

“Eliminate sugary foods and brush and floss regularly,” Wezeman said.

It’s the Valentine that keeps on giving.