Castle Dental Answers Urgent Call From the Salvation Army; Local Dental Provider Holds August Food Drive and Offers Participant Appreciation With Dental Discounts.

Business Editors & Health/Medical Writers

DALLAS & FT. WORTH, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 5, 2002

Castle Dental (OTCBB:CASL), a full-service dental care provider, today announced that it will support The Salvation Army's urgent call for food by holding a food drive at each of its 14 Dallas and Fort Worth area dental centers, Aug. 5 through Aug. 31. In appreciation for food donations, Castle Dental pledges to provide participants with one dollar off total treatment per non-perishable food item brought to Castle Dental.

"We encourage all patients and area residents to drop off non-perishable food items to our Dallas and Fort Worth dental centers to support those who rely on The Salvation Army and the local food pantry for assistance," said Dr. Larry Jackson, Dallas regional dental director. "In appreciation for contributions, we will match food donations with dental visit discounts."

Food shortage at The Salvation Army food pantry is especially significant this time of year due to low-income families' (who rely on free or reduced school lunch programs during the school year) need for the food pantry's assistance during the summer.

In response to a public assistance statement issued by The Salvation Army, Castle Dental's food drive will help the food pantry with their immediate shortage and also help the organization get a head start on the fall season.

"This summer has been a very challenging time for The Salvation Army's food pantry," said Major William Mockabee, Greater Dallas Metroplex Area Commander for The Salvation Army. "This is especially significant when you consider that we have been giving between 60 and 85 bags of groceries a day to needy individuals and families. We truly appreciate Castle Dental's efforts as they collect food to help restock the pantry at our social service center."

To locate your most convenient Castle Dental or to learn more about the Castle food drive, call 1-800-TO SMILE (800/867-6453).

The Salvation Army suggests the following non-perishable food items:

-- Peanut Butter

-- Macaroni & Cheese

-- Crackers

-- Cooking Oil

-- Rice

-- Bags/Cans of Beans

-- Bisquick

-- Pasta (spaghetti, noodles, macaroni, etc.)

-- Dry Milk

-- Food Can Opener

-- Canned Vegetables (green beans, peas, corn, etc.)

-- Canned Soup (check dates)

-- Sugar

-- Flour

-- Canned Fruit

-- Canned Meats (tuna, Spam, salmon, ham, turkey, chicken, etc.)

-- Cereal

-- Juices

-- Baby Food

-- Baby Formula

-- Ensure

-- Drinks (tea, Kool-Aid, etc.)

-- Cake Mix and Frosting

-- Children Snacks

Castle Dental has provided quality dental care for over 54 years. With over 80 centers nationwide, Castle Dental provides a full spectrum of dental services, including general and cosmetic dentistry, orthodontics, pedodontics, oral surgery, prosthodontics and endodontics. The Castle Dental family, including over 200 dentists and specialists, is committed to the dental health of its neighbors, neighborhoods and communities.

Information contained in this press release, other than historical information, may be considered forward-looking in nature and is subject to various risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Among the key factors that may have a direct bearing on the Company are fluctuations in the economy, the degree and nature of competitions and the demand for the Company's services, changes in laws and regulations affecting the Company's business, the Company's inability at any time to complete acquisitions and integrate the operations of acquired businesses, and numerous other factors discussed in Castle Dental's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.