The Connecticut Foundation for Dental Outreach is set to kick off its 9th annual Connecticut Mission of Mercy Free Dental Clinic in Hartford at the XL Center on Friday.
The two-day clinic starts at 6 a.m. Friday is, Sept. 16, and is expected to provide a full range of free dental services to more than 2,200 people on a first-come, first-served basis, featuring 146 dental chairs and more than 1,300 volunteers.
Although the state’s percentage of people without health insurance has dropped to just 6 percent this year, dental coverage is still elusive for many. The lack of dental insurance means some fairly common procedures are too expensive, leaving thousands in need of care.
The clinic was first held in 2008 and has been held annually throughout Connecticut, made possible by the efforts of the Connecticut Foundation for Dental Outreach and its volunteers. It is free for those who are in need of dental care and can’t afford the cost of services. The clinic provides a full range of dental services to patients of all ages, including exams, cleanings, fillings, extractions, X-rays and a limited number root canals.
This is the second time the Connecticut Mission of Mercy Free Dental Clinic will be held in Hartford. The event was previously held at the XL Center in 2014 and $1,578,062 in free oral health care was provided to 2,295 patients. Overall, the Connecticut Mission of Mercy Free Dental Clinic in collaboration with the Connecticut State Dental Association has treated 15,732 patients and provided $9,635,395 in free dental services to patients.
Past clinics were held in Tolland (2008), New Haven (2009), Middletown (2010), Waterbury (2011), Danbury (2012), Bridgeport (2013), Hartford (2014), Danbury (2015) and a “MiniMOM” in East Lyme (2015).
For additional information on the clinic including patient information, visit www.ctmom.org or call 800-688-9372. For volunteer opportunities, contributions, or becoming a sponsor, visit www.ctmom.org or call 860-863-5940.
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