Last year, about 2,000 people were able to get free dental services. This year’s event will utilize 100 portable dental units and 1500 volunteers.
According to the organization, more than $1,000,000 in free care is expected to be delivered to 2,000 patients. Both children and adults will be seen. Basic dental care includes items such as: fillings, extractions and cleanings. Limited lab work (i.e., stainless-steel crowns for children, treatment partials) will be offered.
More than 70 Mission of Mercy (MOM) dental programs have been conducted since 2000 to provide free dental care to local residents who otherwise were unable to receive such care.
Arizona residents suffer from higher rates of dental disease and benefit less from proven preventive methods than other states. A recent survey revealed that 21% of Arizona adults and 31% of Arizona children have never had a dental check-up.
Will Humble, Director of Arizona Department of Health Services, this week advised Arizonans, “Good oral health is critical to a person’s overall health. Tooth decay and gum disease are linked with heart disease, stroke and diabetes, and premature births. Many people in our community can’t afford dental care, so they suffer from poor oral health that affects their ability to speak, smile, smell, taste, touch and eat. That’s why the Arizona Dental Mission of Mercy is such an important event for Arizona. This lack of attention has substantial costs for affected individuals and society. For many, oral conditions severely interfere with eating, sleeping, speaking, learning, working and playing. Oral health is inseparable from overall health and well-being.”