Thousands seek free health care

Volunteers Dr. Mehrdad Makhani, right, of Los Angeles, and dental assistant Damary Machuca extract a tooth from patient Nathaniel Hartfield, of Los Angeles, at the Care Harbor free clinic at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Stations were set up across the arena floor for specialized services such as AIDS testing, eye exams and immunization. Michelle Mijares gives Maria Sanchez, of Long Beach, an eye exam on the first of the four-day clinic.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Volunteer Dr. Stephen Hook, of Culver City, sports a buccaneer hat as he cleans and gives a new filling to patient Freddie Chavez, while medical assistant student Abigail Cruz assists.   (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Nearly half of the space was filled with dental chairs; another large area had tables for patients to visit to learn about health programs and insurance options.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Hundreds of patients wait in line to attend the Care Harbor free clinic to get medical and dental care and to learn about their new insurance options under Obamacare.   (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)