Minnesota Dental Foundation
1335 INDUSTRIAL BLVD NE STE 200
MINNEAPOLIS, MN
United States
Missions of Mercy are large, volunteer-driven, free dental events done in various locations throughout the state to provide dentistry to any child or adult who cannot find or afford the needed dentistry. No identification is required, and no insurance is collected. It is completely free for the attendees. This event will be held at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC) in Duluth, Minnesota on June 7-8, 2024.
The lack of dentists in rural parts of the state is an issue for many states, including Minnesota. Those individuals on public care programs have an even more difficult time finding care due to the low reimbursement rates of these programs and the many dentists who do not see these patients. In addition, this part of the state is the location of Minnesota’s iron mining industry and employment has suffered these last few decades.
Funding is requested for the event to secure a location, provide meals for volunteers, rental of dental equipment needed to set up a 100-chair dental clinic, thousands of disposable dental supplies, and shirts and gowns for the volunteers. This proposed request represents less than 1% of the organization’s overall operating budget.