NM Mission of Mercy — the large-scale, free dental services event organized every year by the New Mexico Dental Association Foundation — will be held April 26–27 in the Santa Fe Community Convention Center. Dental treatment will be provided at no cost to individuals who cannot access or afford dental care.
On both days, clinic doors will open at 5:15 a.m. and walk-ins will be accepted at the door until capacity is reached. If you need dental work, here are the facts you need to know:
Dates — April 26 and 27, 2024.
Location — Santa Fe Community Convention Center, 201 W. Marcy St.
Times — Clinic doors will open at 5:15 a.m. on April 26 and 27.
Who Should Come — Adults and children who do not have access to dental care (children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian).
Services to be Provided — Dental volunteers will provide basic dental care such as fillings, extractions, and cleanings. All patients will receive oral health education and a medical screening before any treatment is performed. Also, basic medical care and consultations will be available at the event. Patients requiring extractions or other procedures will receive instructions and a phone number to call should complications occur after the event.
Emergency Treatment — NM MOM officials stress that no one should wait until the event if they need critical dental or medical attention.
What to Bring / Where to Go — Translators will be available in Spanish and other languages. No identification will be required but you will be required to register as a patient and complete and sign a waiver. The line to enter the clinic at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center will begin outside, so please dress appropriately. Unfortunately, food and drinks will not be provided for patients, so bring snacks and water. It will be a long day, so come prepared with your phone, reading materials, or other items to fill your time. You will be allowed to bring only one small personal item (purse or backpack) into the clinic. Free child care will be provided for all patients who receive care. Drinks and snacks will be provided for the children. Sorry, no pets will be allowed.
Here are some more answers to important questions. You can also go to this site for this and more information.
What can I expect at NM MOM?
Once capacity has been reached, the clinic doors will be closed to walk-in appointments, and a sign will be placed outside to notify others. Patients will be escorted to dental triage where a dentist will talk with them about recommended treatment. Once patients have received treatment, they will be escorted to a post-op area where a dentist will explain proper post-treatment care and answer any questions. From there, all patients will be taken to data entry and patient exit. Patients must maintain their place in line and cannot be gone for long periods for any reason. They will be escorted, as necessary, by a volunteer for restroom and smoking breaks.
How long should I expect to wait in line?
Once the total number of patients they can see each day has been registered, no additional patients can be seen. Please be prepared to wait in line for several hours.
I’m not from New Mexico. Can I still receive services at NM MOM?
Yes, we will help as many people each day as we can with no questions asked until we reach capacity.
Who is paying for this free dental care?
NM MOM is entirely run by volunteers and is a sponsor/donation-based event. They receive contributions from their NM MOM partners that allow us to provide the equipment and supplies necessary for the clinic. Everyone working at the clinic volunteers their time and talents. The services are absolutely free to patients.
Mark the Dates — April 26–27 at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center for NM Mission of Mercy. Come get the dental work you need.
This article was posted by Alba Burch
