Arkansas Mission of Mercy will hold its sixth annual free dental clinic in Northeast Arkansas. The huge clinic will be held at ASU Convocation Center in Jonesboro on April 27-28 starting at 6 a.m.
Over 900 volunteers will give their time and talent to allow 2,000 Arkansans to receive near a million dollars worth of care.
Uninsured and low-income Arkansans suffering pain and discomfort from poor oral health will have the opportunity to cleanings, fillings and extractions. No income or eligibility requirements are necessary.
Since ArMOM started in 2007, over 8,000 patients have been treated in only ten total clinic days. The number or procedures performed is staggering. With approximately 15,967 extractions of bad teeth and 7,738 fillings and other restorations, ArMOM has donated an estimated $4 million worth of free dental care to patients who might otherwise have no hope of receiving care.
Organized by the Arkansas State Dental Association, the two-day free dental clinic is funded by several sponsors including the Walmart Foundation and a $100,000 grant from the Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation. Sponsorships are still available.
Volunteers of all types are needed including dentists, hygienists, dental assistants, pharmacists and hundreds of general volunteers. For more information about the clinic, volunteering or sponsorships, visit ww.arkansasdentistry.org or call 1-800-501-2732.
Patients' Frequently Asked Questions
Is there anything that would disqualify me from treatment? Each patient will undergo a simple medical exam at the start of the ArMOM experience. Some things that could prevent you from being treated include: having a fever at the time of treatment, uncontrollable, abnormally high blood pressure, or excessive bleeding in the past. Due to limited time and volunteers, wisdom teeth will not be pulled unless they are causing pain.
How early should I arrive at ArMOM? The doors will open at 6 AM. However, people usually begin lining up much earlier. Please keep the following in mind:
* Patients will not be allowed in the building earlier than 6AM. No exceptions.
* Collapsible chairs and blankets are allowed, but you will not have a chance to return them to your car and will need to carry them with you throughout the day.
* Tents are not allowed.
Do I need insurance/payment? No. This is completely free thanks to the generosity of our volunteers and sponsors.
If I am under 18, do I need a parent or guardian present? Yes. All children must be accompanied by a legal guardian until all treatment is complete. If a guardian needs treatment for themselves, there must be an additional adult present with his/her children while the guardian is being treated. The guardian cannot be treated the same day as their children unless there is another adult to watch the children.
My entire family needs to be seen. Is that possible? Yes, however, a guardian must be with children under the age of 18 at all times.
Will there be translators? Spanish translators will be available.
Is there a limit as to how much treatment I can receive? Due to limited supplies, time and volunteers, we are limited to the amount of treatment we can provide each individual. Our first priority will be to treat your critical dental needs.
What should I bring to ArMOM? You should bring a list of your current medications, baby supplies for a full day and possibly book/magazines for while you are waiting. Bring these items with you in line; do not leave them in your car. Once you enter the building, you cannot leave to go back to your car.
Where do I park? Patient parking will be available at the ASU Convocation Center and a city bus will run throughout the city.