WEST ALLIS, Wis. – The Wisconsin Dental Association (WDA) and WDA Foundation will bring their 11th Mission of Mercy event to DC Everest Middle School, 9302 Schofield Ave., in Schofield on Friday, July 25 and Saturday, July 26. MOM provides free dental care to children and adults who have limited financial resources or are otherwise unable to visit a dental office.
Doors open at 5:30 a.m. both days. Approximately 450 patient visits will take place each day on a first-come, first-served basis. There are no appointments.
Individuals of all ages are welcome. Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Spanish and Hmong interpreters will be available to assist patients. A multi-language patient flyer and answers to patients’ frequently asked questions can be found here at WDA.org.
No photo identification, Social Security number, insurance information or other personal identification or documentation are required. However, medically compromising conditions, such as extremely high blood pressure or severe disabilities, may prohibit an individual from receiving care.
An estimated $840,000 in oral care in cleanings, fillings, extractions, limited treatment partials and personal oral hygiene education will be provided through as many as 1,050 patient visits.
“Our volunteers look forward to helping children and adults who face barriers when it comes to accessing dental care. We aim to relieve pain, restore smiles and provide oral hygiene education,” said WDA Foundation President Dr. Thomas J. Nockerts, a retired general dentist from Green Bay. “Mission of Mercy is just one example of how Wisconsin dentists serve their communities and help make a difference through charitable dental care each year.”
The free care will be provided by as many as 700 volunteers, including dentists, dental hygienists and assistants, Marquette University School of Dentistry students and community members.
Financial support
Major financial and in-kind support for Mission of Mercy is provided by the Aspirus Health Foundation, Delta Dental of Wisconsin Foundation, Dwight & Linda Davis Foundation, Henry Schein Cares, Judd S. Alexander Foundation, Network Health Hometown Advantage Fund and Walter Alexander Foundation.
Nearly 50 organizations and individuals have contributed tax-deductible financial aid and in-kind donations to help cover over $200,000 in costs for equipment and facility rentals, supplies, pharmaceuticals and food for this major charitable dental care event, which includes setup on July 24.
More than 16,394 children and adults have received nearly $11.24 million in donated care at WDA Mission of Mercy events since 2009.
Organizations or individuals interested in financially supporting the Mission of Mercy event or other charitable care and oral hygiene education outreach efforts can visit the WDA Foundation’s donation page.
Please note, patients should not wait for the WDA Mission of Mercy to seek care for dental pain, as this could signal a serious condition. If dental pain is severe and accompanied by a fever or swelling, go to a hospital emergency room immediately!
