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After a nine-year hiatus, Caring Smiles Missions of Mercy will provide free adult dental care for Western Tidewater residents.

The volunteer-led free dental care clinic, in partnership with Missions of Mercy, Obici Healthcare Foundation, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry, and Virginia Dental Association Foundation will serve patients starting at 6:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 16, at Kings Fork Middle School. 

An optional pre-screening event will also be available from 3 to 5 p.m. on Friday, March 15, at KFMS. Caring Smiles MOM Site Director Jessica Mullen provided more details of the prescreening.

“When a patient arrives they will be greeted by a volunteer and provided the forms and waivers. Once the forms and waivers are complete, the patient will undergo health screening, X-rays will be taken, and the Dental Triage team will determine what treatment the patient needs the next day,” Mullen said. 

Mullen notes that those unable to attend the pre-screening can still receive same-day treatment; however, treatment will be first come, first served.

“Like the prescreened patients, patients will be greeted by a volunteer and provided the forms and waivers and then they will undergo health screening, X-rays will be taken, and the Dental Triage team will determine what treatment they need,” Mullen said. “The patient will receive a wristband to wear at the event, indicating the type of treatment the patient will undergo. Once the patient’s treatment service has been identified, they will wait in a holding area until a treatment chair is available.”

While the clinic will provide as many free care visits as possible, Mullen says that spaces are limited and to plan to arrive early and prepare to wait. 

Eligible attendees will have the option of receiving cleanings, fillings, extractions, and root canals at the clinic. Mullen says they still need medical assistants, EMTs, nursing and medical students, and more as volunteers. Volunteers must be 18+ adults to apply. 

“Our overarching goal is to extend the reach of this impactful event throughout our entire service area,” she said. “By rotating the event to different locations, we aim to ensure that every member of our diverse community has access to free, high-quality dental care. This approach aligns with our commitment to making oral health services more accessible and reaching individuals who may face barriers to receiving essential dental care. We believe that by fostering a sense of community and providing valuable services, we contribute to the overall well-being of the individuals we serve.”

For more information or to volunteer, call 757-539-8810 or email JMullen@obicichf.org.