A special program is bringing volunteer dentists and volunteer dental team members together to provide free dental care to hundreds of people at Calvin College in Grand Rapids on June 1 and June 2.

The Michigan Mission of Mercy event is for any child or adult that needs dental services regardless of previous dental history, insurance status or ability to pay. Everyone working at the clinic is a volunteer. The services are free.

The Michigan Mission of Mercy is organized by the Michigan Dental Association and the Michigan Dental Association Foundation. The program began in 2013. Since then, over 4,000 people have been treated and over 3,000 people have volunteered. 2,500 people are expected to receive free dental services this year.

Services provided include cleanings, fillings, tooth removal, root canals and treatment partials to replace front teeth. They will not provide caps, crowns, metal-based partial dentures, dentures, implants, bridges, orthodontics or removal of wisdom teeth. Some services will only be provided on a limited basis. A patient's most severe problem will be given priority. All services are first-come, first-served.

Childcare is not provided. Only children receiving treatment should attend.

WHEN

  • Doors open at 6:00 a.m. on Friday, June 1 and Saturday, June 2. Patients usually begin arriving shortly after midnight. Services are provided on a first-come, first-served basis until that day's capacity has been reached. Capacity depends on the number of volunteers. Many patients who receive treatment will end up spending the entire day at the event.

WHERE

  • The event will take place at the Huizenga Tennis and Track Center on Calvin College's campus. Patient parking is available on the north side of the Calvin College campus in Lot 8.

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