The Oklahoma Mission of Mercy (OkMOM) will hold a two-day free dental clinic Feb. 9-10 at the Great Plains Coliseum in Lawton.
Leading up to the event, the Coliseum, 920 S. Sheridan, will transform into a fully-operational dental facility with more than 1,000 dental professionals and general volunteers offering no-cost oral health services to as many patients as possible.
OkMOM welcomes those who are uninsured, under-insured, or who lack regular access to dental care, regardless of age and without any identification requirements. At the clinic, patients undergo an initial dental screening to identify their most critical needs and determine a treatment plan before they are routed to the appropriate service area. Services provided at OkMOM include cleanings, X-rays, fillings, extractions, and some root canals and partials. There are no pre-registration requirements for patients.
“The Oklahoma Mission of Mercy is so much more than just a dental event. It’s a testament to the power of collective action and the belief that everyone deserves access to quality healthcare, regardless of their circumstances,” said Dr. Paul S. Wood, Oklahoma Dental Association President and practicing oral surgeon in Lawton. “By helping our underserved neighbors at OkMOM, we are promoting health equity and creating a healthier future.”
Since the first event in 2010, dental professionals volunteering their time at the Oklahoma Mission of Mercy have served 18,156 people and performed more than 109,573 dental procedures, the sum of which are valued at more than $15.2 million in donated dental services, according to a press release.
“The most important thing we want guests to know is that this event is open to everyone and that it is a judgment-free environment,” said Dr. Shannon Griffin-Lopez, a Lawton-based dentist, former ODA President and OkMOM Chair, and 2024 committee member. “We want to take care of patients’ most urgent oral health issues without anyone feeling shame or fear.”
“Our mission at the Delta Dental of Oklahoma Foundation is to advance the oral health of all Oklahomans,” said John Gladden, Delta Dental of Oklahoma Chairman, President and CEO. “In addition to addressing patients’ immediate needs at OkMOM, we help educate them on the importance of oral health and connect them to resources available in their communities for ongoing dental care.”
Volunteer translators who are collectively able to speak more than 20 languages including American Sign Language will be on site both days. Patient forms are also available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Arabic, Hindi, Chinese, and French.
The OkMOM volunteer team is made up of dentists and dental students, hygienists, dental assistants, office staff, x-ray technicians, dental equipment maintenance experts, nurses and nursing students, physicians and physician assistants, pharmacists and pharmacy techs, as well as general volunteers who help with check-in and patient navigation.
The OkMOM clinic is open to all ages, although patients under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Treatment will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis on Friday, Feb. 9 and Saturday, Feb. 10. Doors open at 7 a.m. each day and due to high demand, attendees should plan to be on site for 6-8 hours. The number of patients treated each day will vary based on many factors, so patients are encouraged to arrive as early as possible to get in line.
There will be no indoor overnight waiting available, so patients should make arrangements to stay warm and safe until the event begins. More patient information can be found online at okmom.org/patient-faq.
To sponsor the 2024 Oklahoma Mission of Mercy or to donate to the Legacy Fund which supports OkMOM, please visit okmom.org/donate or contact Oklahoma Dental Association via phone at (800) 876-8890. To become a volunteer, please visit okmom.org/volunteers. (Note: Volunteer sign-up closes Jan. 22 and nearly all spots are full.)
The Oklahoma Mission of Mercy is produced by the Oklahoma Dental Association, the Oklahoma Dental Foundation and the Delta Dental of Oklahoma Foundation. This event is endorsed by the Oklahoma State Department of Health.
