The Minnesota Dental Association and the Minnesota Dental Foundation will host the Minnesota Mission of Mercy at the Minneapolis Convention Center on Friday, September 7 and Saturday, September 8. The event will provide free dental treatment for adults and children of all ages who face barriers to care.
More than 1,500 committed volunteers including dentists, hygienists, dental assistants, dental therapists, translators, and lay volunteers will treat more than 2,000 patients. Services will include cleanings, fillings, root canals on select teeth, extractions, and oral hygiene instruction.
“We are proud to offer free dental care to the underserved population in the state of Minnesota. Many Minnesotans, including dentists, are generously donating their time and talents to give back to our community in a meaningful way. The number of people that come together to make this event possible is simply overwhelming,” said Alejandro Aguirre, DDS, chair of the 2018 Mission of Mercy.
Financial support for the free event comes from the generosity of several organizations, including the Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation as the leading sponsor with a $225,000 grant.
“Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation is honored to help make this event possible again this year and proud to say that in addition to this financial support, nearly all Delta Dental employees will volunteer at the event,” said Joe Lally, executive director of the Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation. “We are so grateful to the generous dental professionals who donate their expertise and time for people in need.”
This is the sixth year a Mission of Mercy event is being held in Minnesota, with free care provided being valued at more than $8 million since 2012. To support the cause, text Smile10 or Smile25 to 20222 to donate $10 or $25, or visit mndental.org/about/foundation/give.
Doors will open at 5:30 am. Patients will be seen on a first-come, first-served basis until capacity is reached each day. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a guardian. Full dentures, root canals on molars, crowns, extractions of unexposed wisdom teeth, and dental implants will not be provided. Patients will need to complete a registration and release form but will need to show identification or any other personal documentation.
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