GRANT00029

Support to MOM-n-PA (Mission of Mercy in Pennsylvania) is an inaugural dental mission for the most vulnerable and underserved people in the state of Pennsylvania to be held in Philadelphia, May 31-June 1, 2013 at the Liacouras Center at Temple University. The event will provide immediate and free dental care to at least 2,000 patients over a 2-day period, promote oral health literacy by educating each patient on the importance of good oral health, dispense to each patient oral health care products, and reduce pressure on local hospitals by decreasing the number of people who seek pain relief at emergency rooms. In addition to providing for the immediate dental needs of the underserved, the event will accumulate data for national analysis to determine trends in dental issues, advocate for permanent dental homes for the indigent population of Pennsylvania, and provide media attention directed at engaged policy makers to ensure that dental care becomes a strong component of overall health care.