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.
- 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, High Point Clinic, March 28-29,2025
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
Congratulations to the 2024 Dental Public Health Award and Endowment Grant recipients:
Dental Lifeline Network (Cary),
FirstHealth Dental Care Center (Pinehurst),
Wake Smiles (Raleigh)
Community Care Center for Forsyth County (Winston-Salem).
Piedmont Health Services (Chapel Hill) is the 2024 Dental Public Health Award winner.
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
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a previously unheard-of disruption in the healthcare industry, both statewide and nationwide. A severe shortage of medical professionals means that the labor market for dental assistants and dental hygienists has tightened significantly. Many dentists in the state are finding it extremely difficult to fill these positions.
To address this challenge, the NC Dental Society Foundation is working with community colleges across the state to award need-based scholarships to students enrolled in Dental Assistant and Dental Hygiene programs. These scholarships assist students taking their Dental Assisting National Board exams, cover internship-related fees, and other out-of-pocket expenses. More than 60 scholarships have been awarded to date to students in Western NC through a grant from the Dogwood Health Trust. Scholarships continue to be distributed to students across all regions of NC.
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.
