Minnesota Mission of Mercy Provides No-Cost Dental Care to Hundreds of Children and Adults at the Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center this Weekend
More than $1 million in care is estimated to be provided by hundreds of volunteers
Duluth, MN – June 7, 2024 – The Mission of Mercy (MnMOM), Minnesota’s largest no-cost dental clinic is returning to Duluth and will provide oral health services today (June 7) and tomorrow (June 8), at the Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center (DECC). The event is organized by the Minnesota Dental Association and its major sponsor Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation.
The Mission of Mercy aims to provide dental care to children and adults who are unable to access it, no matter what the cause. Dental professionals, volunteers, and community partners are coming together to provide services, including cleanings, fillings, root canals on select teeth, extractions, children’s dentistry, oral hygiene instruction, and a limited amount of temporary partial dental appliances.
Volunteers from across dentistry are showing up to support MnMOM, including dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, dental therapists, dental technicians, dental laboratory technicians, physicians, nurses, EMTs, pharmacists, students, and others.
“We are grateful for the compassionate dentists, dental professionals, and community members who have united to make this event so impactful,” said Carmelo Cinqueonce, Executive Director of the Minnesota Dental Association.
Oral health is critical to good overall health, yet barriers to accessing dental care persist in our communities. MnMOM events aim to provide services to those who may be struggling with such barriers. For example, past events have served patients who may have recently lost their job or can no longer afford a dental visit, or those who have not been able to see a dentist in years or even decades.
“This event is a lifeline for individuals who have faced barriers to accessing dental care, and it advances our mission to serve the underserved and encourage and support volunteerism within the profession,” said Dr. Steve Litton, President of the Minnesota Dental Foundation.
The Minnesota Mission of Mercy has a remarkable track record. In previous events, over ten thousand patients received over fifty thousand free dental procedures. This event aims to provide care that is valued at more than $1 million.
“In Duluth and across Minnesota, Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation works to foster opportunities for good oral and overall health in our communities,” said Stephanie Albert, President of Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation. “This event brings people together to remove barriers to optimal oral health and moves our shared vision closer to reality.”
The Minnesota Dental Association and the Minnesota Dental Foundation are hosting the two-day event, and for the 8th consecutive year Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation is its Signature Sponsor.
MnMOM is entirely volunteer-run and donation-based. For more information, visit www.mndental.org/events/mission-of-mercy.
About Minnesota Dental Association
The Minnesota Dental Association is the voice of dentistry in Minnesota, representing practicing dentists. It is committed to the highest standards of oral health and access to care for all Minnesotans. Learn more at: www.mndental.org.
About Minnesota Dental Foundation
The Minnesota Dental Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit public foundation providing charitable programs and services to improve the oral health of underserved Minnesotans. The foundation gives dentists and donors the opportunity to experience the collective power of giving and invest in the future of dentistry.
About Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation
Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation supports optimal oral and overall health outcomes while advancing social equities by expanding access to dental care and investing in the communities across Minnesota.