The lack of oral health knowledge, infrequent dental visits, and lack of access to proper care are negatively impacting the quality of life for many North Carolinians.
The lack of oral health knowledge, infrequent dental visits, and lack of access to proper care are negatively impacting the quality of life for many North Carolinians. Through the North Carolina Dental Society Foundation’s Missions of Mercy (MOM) program, dentists across the state are able to shine a light on this pressing need for care.
On Friday, August 3 and Saturday, August 4, the Foundation provided complimentary dental procedures for individuals in need of oral healthcare at its MOM clinic in Fayetteville, held at the Crown Arena. Based on an initial examination and x-rays, offered dental procedures included: cleanings, fillings, extractions and partial dentures for front teeth. Volunteer dentists from across the state treated more than 750 individuals over two days.
“The overwhelming response and genuine appreciation from the public is humbling, when it comes to MOM clinics,” said Dr. Alec Parker, executive director of the North Carolina Dental Society. “It’s amazing how the dental and medical communities come together to address the need for oral healthcare. When you see hundreds of people lined up and camping out for the opportunity to receive the care they so desperately need, there’s no choice but to jump in and help.”
Since its inception, the Foundation’s MOM clinics have provided more than $35.5 million in free dental care to more than 66,000 North Carolinians. MOM is a volunteer grassroots effort that offers free dental treatment for individuals who cannot afford or do not have access to oral health care.
More than 500 volunteers served the Fayetteville community this weekend as dentists, hygienists, dental assistants, lab techs, medical personnel and community volunteers. Drawing the dental community from across the state, the program also works closely with UNC School of Dentistry and ECU School of Dental Medicine. Dental students participated as volunteer providers during clinics and are integral to the success of each program.
For more information about the Foundation’s MOM program, visit www.ncdental.org/MOMclinics.
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About the North Carolina Dental Society
The North Carolina Dental Society was founded in 1856 and is one of the oldest dental societies in the country. The NCDS represents 3,800 member dentists in North Carolina. Headquartered in Cary, our mission is to help all members succeed. For more information about the NCDS, visit ncdental.org. The North Carolina Dental Society is a part of the American Dental Association, the nation's largest dental association, representing 161,000 dentist members.
About the North Carolina Dental Society Foundation Missions of Mercy
The North Carolina Dental Society Foundation Missions of Mercy (MOM) is a 501(c)(3) that shines a light on the need for better access to oral health care throughout the state. A cornerstone program of the Foundation, it focuses on providing preventative services and treatment for dental problems in adults whose income is less than 200 percent of the Federal Poverty index.