Minn. Mission of Mercy event treats thousands of patients

The Minnesota Dental Association (MDA) and the Minnesota Dental Foundation provided free dental care to 1,500 patients during its recent Mission of Mercy clinic in July.

The Verizon Wireless Center in Mankato became a giant dental clinic that included more than 100 dental chairs, 16 sterilization units, and nine x-ray units, according to the organizations. During the two-day event, there were 1,500 patient visits resulting in more than 6,950 total dental procedures, including 1,066 fillings, 1,145 extractions, 1,195 x-rays, 334 cleanings, 100 partial dentures, and 46 root canals. The total estimated value of the care was more than $900,000.

More than 1,000 volunteers worked at the clinic, including dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, dental therapists, translators, and hundreds of community and lay volunteers.

This was the third Mission of Mercy event held in Minnesota and the second in Mankato, focused on providing dental care to underserved populations that face barriers to obtaining dental care.

The Delta Dental of Minnesota Foundation sponsored the event; the Minnesota Dental Foundation raised $214,000 in donations to cover the event's cost.

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