Presented by the Rhode Island Oral Health Foundation, annual two-day dental clinic provides free oral health services to Rhode Islanders in need
 
The Rhode Island Oral Health Foundation, in partnership with Delta Dental of Rhode Island and Providence Community Health Centers, announced today it will once again host its Rhode Island Mission of Mercy dental clinic on Saturday, September 30 and Sunday, October 1.
 
Launched in 2012, the Rhode Island Mission of Mercy is an annual, two-day clinic that provides free oral health services to Rhode Island’s most vulnerable residents. Services provided at the clinic include routine cleanings, X-rays, fillings, root canal treatments on front teeth only and tooth extractions. All services will be provided free of charge by a team of more than 200 dental and medical professionals across the state who have volunteered their time and expertise to the cause.
 
“The importance of high-quality, accessible oral healthcare on a person’s overall health and well-being cannot be overstated.” said Dr. Jeffrey Dodge, President and Founder of the RI Oral Health Foundation. “The Rhode Island Mission of Mercy Free Dental Clinic helps to ensure that the uninsured, underinsured, and those Rhode Islanders who cannot access dental care can receive the services they need.” “We look forward to another successful event in 2023.”
 
Delta Dental of Rhode Island and Providence Community Health Centers are once again the premier sponsors for this year’s clinic. The event, which is primarily funded through a grant from Delta Dental of Rhode Island, will be held at the Providence Community Health Centers dental clinic, located at 335R Prairie Avenue in Providence. Individuals seeking care may begin to line up at 5:30 a.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. Patients will be treated on a strict first-come, first-served basis until capacity is reached.
 
“Delta Dental of Rhode Island has been proud to support the Rhode Island Mission of Mercy since its inception more than a decade ago, and we are looking forward to working with our partners and colleagues across the state’s healthcare and non-profit sectors to serve our neighbors in need,” said Joseph R. Perroni, president and CEO, Delta Dental of Rhode Island. “This annual clinic is a testament to the power of community, proving year after year that a group of passionate individuals working toward the same goal can make a significant, life-changing impact over the course of just two days. We’re honored to play our part in this team effort, and we thank this year’s group of volunteer providers and community members in advance for making this clinic possible.”
 
“We are pleased to again be the host site for the Rhode Island Mission of Mercy dental clinic, working alongside other public-minded organizations to bring oral health services to the underserved,” said Merrill Thomas, President and CEO, Providence Community Health Centers. “Oral health is critical to overall health. For 55 years, our team has delivered health care to individuals in need, so the partnership is a natural one. We are excited that our dental clinic and facilities will be utilized by our team members and other volunteer dental providers from across the state to improve the health of the communities we serve.”
 
At last year’s Mission of Mercy clinic, a team of more than 250 dental and medical volunteers and more than 175 community volunteers provided nearly $275,000 in donated oral health services to more than 450 patients.
 
The Rhode Island Oral Foundation is currently seeking both oral health professionals and non-medical volunteers to support the clinic. Those interested in volunteering can learn more and sign up at www.rimom.org.