Dental Care for Those in Need Arrives at UConn Health This Weekend

Free dental care for the underserved and uninsured in Connecticut—those that would otherwise go without dental care – is the focus of the Connecticut Foundation for Dental Outreach’s 15th annual Connecticut Mission of Mercy Free Dental Clinic (CTMOM) being held on Saturday, November 12 and Sunday, November 13 at the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine in Farmington.

CTMOM provides dental services for underserved individuals who cannot afford the cost of care.  The clinic is first-come; first-served and expects to administer care to more than 1,600 patients during the two-days.  It will include169 dental stations and more than 800 volunteers throughout the weekend.

“It is wonderful to be able to provide dental care to our underserved and uninsured patients after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic,” said Dr. Robert Schreibman, Connecticut Foundation for Dental Outreach, Chair.   “CTMOM is happy to do everything we can to help improve the quality of life of those we serve. We are honored and very excited to partner with the UConn School of Dental Medicine. Their magnificent facilities will allow us to treat so many during this difficult time.”

The clinic provides a full range of dental services including exams, x-rays, cleanings, extractions, fillings, root canals on front teeth (limited), interim partial dentures (limited). Officials point out that oral health is inseparable from general health and can affect a person’s self-esteem, compromise their ability to work, attend school and lead a normal life.

“The UConn School of Dental Medicine is very excited to be able to partner with the CT Foundation for Dental Outreach and host this year’s CT Mission of Mercy Free Dental Clinic (CTMOM).  We share a common goal of providing dental care to the citizens of CT and although our faculty, residents and students have been volunteering with CTMOM since its inception, having CTMOM at UConn Health brings the relationship to a whole new level. We are all looking forward to an incredibly successful event and providing dental services to those in need,” explained Dr. Steven M. Lepowsky, Dean, UConn School of Dental Medicine.

The Connecticut Foundation for Dental Outreach (CFDO) in collaboration with the Connecticut State Dental Association (CSDA) held the state’s first Mission of Mercy project in 2008. Every year, the CTMOM clinic is held in a different location throughout the state. Additional information is available at www.cfdo.org. Masks are required to be worn by everyone attending this program.