A Mission of Mercy - Minnesota Dental Professionals Provide Free Dental Care

Event will serve 2,000 patients facing barriers to care.

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Aug 08, 2018, 11:34 ET

MINNEAPOLIS, Aug. 8, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Minnesota Dental Association and the Minnesota Dental Foundation will be bringing the Minnesota Mission of Mercy to the Minneapolis Convention Center on Friday, September 7 and Saturday, September 8. Minnesota Mission of Mercy is a community event that provides free dental care, over a two-day period, for patients facing barriers to care. Financial support for the event comes from the generosity of several organizations, including Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation as the leading sponsor with a $225,000 grant.

The Minneapolis Convention Center will host over 1,500 committed volunteers, including dentists, hygienists, dental assistants, dental therapists, translators and lay volunteers. Organizers of the event plan to welcome as many as 2,000 patients seeking care. Services provided include cleanings, fillings, root canals on select teeth, extractions and oral hygiene instruction.

Dr. Alejandro Aguirre, chair of the 2018 Mission of Mercy event says, "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."

"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 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 over $8 million since 2012. To support the cause, text Smile10 or Smile25 to 20222 to make a donation of $10 or $25.

Before You Go (Patient Information)
Dental care will be offered to adults and children of all ages. Doors open at 5:30 a.m. Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Early arrival is encouraged as patients will be seen on a first-come, first-serve basis until capacity is reached each day. Those seeking treatment should be prepared to spend the entire day at the event. Full dentures, root canals on molars, crowns, extractions of unexposed wisdom teeth, dental implants will not be provided. Patients will be given a registration and release form to complete, however they will not be checking IDs or any other personal documentation.

About Mission of Mercy
Mission of Mercy is entirely volunteer run and donation based. Monetary and in-kind gifts are critical to ensuring the success of Mission of Mercy. To make a cash donation to help cover the costs of equipment and supplies necessary for this event, visit www.mndental.org/about/foundation/give.

About the Minnesota Dental Foundation
The Minnesota Dental Foundation provides a means for dentists and others to experience the collective power of giving, with an opportunity to invest in the future of dentistry and the future of the people and communities it serves. The MDF has raised over $250,000 in donations from organizations and individuals to support this year's event. Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation has been a long-time supporter of the Minnesota Mission of Mercy and is once again the signature sponsor of the event. Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation works to expand access to dental care for Minnesota's underserved populations.

About the 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. You can learn more at www.mndental.org. The Minnesota Dental Association is a part of the American Dental Association, the nation's largest dental association, representing 158,000 dentist members.

To learn more about the event, or to volunteer, visit www.mnmom.org.

SOURCE Minnesota Dental Association