WEST ALLIS, Wis. – The Wisconsin Dental Association (WDA) and WDA Foundation will bring their 10th Mission of Mercy event to the KI Center, 333 Main St., in Green Bay on Friday, June 16 and Saturday, June 17. 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. Individuals seeking dental care should line up outside of the door marked “Patient Entrance” located on Main Street on the southwest side of the building. Early arrival is encouraged. The event will stop accepting patients in line when capacity is met or at 3 p.m., whichever comes first. 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, Hmong and American Sign Language 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 $500,000 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 Brady Corporation Foundation, Cornerstone Foundation of Northeastern Wisconsin, Inc., Delta Dental of Wisconsin Foundation, DentaQuest, Henry Schein Cares and the Premonstratensian Fathers – Augustine Stewardship Fund Trust.
More than 60 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 June 15.
WDA dentists and other MOM volunteers donate $6 – $8 in care for every $1 received. More than 15,692 children and adults have received nearly $10.5 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!
