MISSION OF MERCY

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The Oklahoma Dental Association’s Mission of Mercy event provided relief for more than 1600 patients. The relief came to those without dental insurance, those living in rural Oklahoma (where dentists are sparse), and to those living in communities without fluoridated water.

Oklahoma has a high rate of dental diseases, according to the CDC. It says that most of the state’s population has experienced some form of oral disease within their life times. The CDC also reports that serious health issues arise when dental diseases go untreated.

Good dental health is not only important for maintaining good health, it is important for good hygiene, appearance, and self-esteem. So although many of the patients attending the event were experiencing physical pain, there were also many patients who attended that were feeling embarrassment and shame from the appearance of their teeth. Those feelings compound the problems of gum disease and tooth decay and often cause people not to see a dentist.

One of the patients who attended the event did not have dental insurance and is a single Mother. Taking time out of her busy schedule to care for herself seemed a bit difficult but she decided to attend the free services event day. The Mission of Mercy services helped relieve pain and the appearance of one of her front teeth. She felt that people were always looking at her teeth, so she didn’t smile. She says it feels good to know that people care and want to help the community and with that statement, she smiled.

This is the tenth year that the Oklahoma Dental Association has provided free dental care through the Oklahoma Mission of Mercy organization. The organization has services in other states within the United States. The OKMOM reports that since 2010, 14,454 patients have been treated with the donated care of doctors and volunteers.