2025 Elkin MOM Clinic
MISSIONS OF MERCY (MOM) DENTAL CLINICS
- Portable free dental clinics are conducted over a two-day period, offering complimentary care for adults from under-served households.
- Programs rotate throughout the state, each requiring a host community.
- Each clinic varies in size – depending on funding and volunteers – to serve anywhere from 300 to 3,000 patients.
- Provides a one-to-one patient to dentist ratio, guaranteeing digital X-rays, instrument sterilization and supplies for each patient.
- Clinics are staffed by volunteers, including dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, lab techs, health professionals, and community members.
- Clinic set-up occurs on a Thursday, and patients are treated on a first come-first serve basis on Friday and Saturday, from 6 am-4 pm.
This model of access to care through volunteerism is the hallmark of the Foundation’s MOM clinic outreach program.
Important Notes for Patients
- Clinics are for adults only (ages 18 and older).
- Patients will be seen on a first-come, first-served basis until clinic capacity is reached.
Volunteers Needed
Volunteer registrations will open 90 days prior to each clinic. We need you! Dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, and community volunteers are essential to making these clinics possible. Your time and skills can change lives in a single day—please mark your calendars and join us in bringing free dental care to those who need it most.
For 2025 and 2026 MOM Clinics, please visit our Events page.
- Dentists typically provide one major procedure per patient, such as an extraction or filling.
- At all clinics, patients receive education on proper oral hygiene, as well as supplies to take home.
- Patients who come to the clinic are in dire need of dental treatment, and most are in severe pain. Many have not seen a dentist in years, and some have never seen a dentist. These clinics provide much-needed relief with the help of dedicated volunteers.
North Carolina Mission of Mercy, Elkin Clinic, June 20-21,2025
GIVE KIDS A SMILE® (GKAS)
GKAS is an annual volunteer program that provides free educational, preventative and restorative services to children from low-income families. Many of these children are unable to eat, sleep or pay attention in school, ultimately risking more serious health problems because of poor oral health.
As part of National Children’s Dental Health Month, the first Friday of every February is national Give Kids A Smile Day. Thousands of dentists across the country take time from their practices to help under-served children get the oral health care they need.
Can we count on you to host or participate in a Give Kids A Smile event?
For more than 15 years, NC Dental Society members have provided complimentary screenings, treatment and oral health education for deserving children. Each year, we aim for participation among all 100 North Carolina counties, and we need your help.
GRANTS AND AWARDS
APPLICATIONS CLOSED: 2025 Dental Public Health Award & Endowment Grants
Thank you to everyone that applied. Applicants will be notified of outcomes by October 2025.
Oral Health Outreach Program Grants
In alignment with our mission and to support dental initiatives all across the state, the NC Dental Society Foundation is proud to continue supporting NC Dental Schools by rolling out a new program: Oral Health Outreach Program Grants.
The Oral Health Outreach Program Grants aim to support programs by NC Dental Schools that serve marginalized and underserved populations through clinics, volunteer efforts, education, and oral health programming.
Applications are accepted and reviewed on an ongoing basis.
Please email Sharon D’Costa, sdcosta@ncdental.org with any questions and click here to apply.
NCDS Foundation Relief Fund
We extend our heartfelt support to the communities impacted by the devastating flooding caused by Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina.
The North Carolina Dental Society Foundation is offering emergency relief grants to dentists in western North Carolina who have suffered personal and business-related damages or losses due to the hurricane.
*If you are a dentist impacted by the hurricane and in need of assistance, reach out to Sharon D’costa at- sdcosta@ncdental.org to apply for a relief grant.
Dental Workforce Development Initiative
Like much of healthcare, dentistry has faced significant workforce challenges. Across North Carolina, many practices struggle to recruit and retain dental assistants and hygienists—two roles essential to patient care. The NC Dental Society Foundation is helping close this gap by partnering with community colleges to provide need-based scholarships for students in Dental Assisting and Dental Hygiene programs. These scholarships help cover expenses such as national board exams, internship fees, and other out-of-pocket costs that often create barriers for students. Thanks to generous partners, including the Dogwood Health Trust, the Foundation has already awarded more than 180 scholarships and is continuing to expand support for students statewide.
School-Based Dental Programs
The NC Dental Society Foundation’s school-based dental programs aim to bridge the gap in oral healthcare for children attending Title 1 schools in North Carolina. By establishing on-site pediatric dental services at these schools, the Foundation aims to address disparities in access and ensure that every child receives the comprehensive dental care they deserve.
In addition to dental care, dentists can educate children on preventative care – from regular brushing and flossing to nutrition education to tobacco avoidance. Each participant will be given $5,000 to initiate a school-based program.
Click the button below to email Sharon D’Costa if you want to make a profound impact! You can also fill out and submit the application form here.
