The Central Arizona Dental Society Foundation (CADSF) is hosting its 3rd annual Dental Mission of Mercy event at the Veteran’s Memorial Coliseum at the Arizona State Fairgrounds Dec 12th-13th, bringing together hundreds of dental professionals who will provide free care to adults and children.
The Coliseum floor will be transformed into a clinic with more than 100 portable dental units staffed by nearly 1,500 volunteer dentists, hygienists, lab technicians, assistants and lay people. Approximately $1.5 million in free care is expected to be delivered to over 2,000 patients on a first-come, first served basis during the two day period. Patients are advised to arrive early. Doors to the clinic will open at 6:00 am. Treatment will be performed both days from 6:00 am – 6:00 pm.
As in past years, the emphasis will be on relieving pain and infection. Dental services such as fillings, extractions, cleanings, as well as limited lab work will be provided to both adults and children of all ages. All patients will undergo a limited medical screening and those who have medically compromised conditions, such as extremely high blood pressure, uncontrolled diabetes or severe disabilities may not be able to be treated in this setting, and will be referred to other community resources.
Arizona residents suffer from higher rates of dental disease than many other states, and this is one way we can give back to the community while providing critical dental care to those who need it most, said Dr. Pat Rabot, a Phoenix Oral Surgeon and CADS Foundation Board President. We also hope to raise awareness about the increasing difficulties that low-income adults and children face in accessing necessary dental care. Arizona discontinued adult dental AHCCCS benefits in 2010 during the budget cuts of the great recession. The demand for care during this event proves how much the most vulnerable members of our community need this program to be restored.
A recent survey found that 21 percent of Arizona adults and 31 percent of all Arizona children have never had a dental check-up.
About CADS AZ Mission of Mercy: Originating in Virginia and spreading throughout the United States, more than 70 Mission of Mercy dental programs have been conducted since 2000 to provide free dental care to local residents who otherwise were unable to receive it. For more information on CADS AZ Mission of Mercy click here.