Editor:
For years, in our own offices across the state, dentists have provided free or reduced care to patients in need on an ad hoc basis. Some dentists open their offices once or twice a year and announce they will provide free dental care to those in need.
Patients are grateful, but the dentists understand this is just a small part of the need that has to be addressed. That’s why 11 years ago, the Iowa Mission of Mercy (IMOM) was created. This special two-day dental clinic brings together dental professionals from across the state to provide free dental care such as cleanings, fillings, extractions, and X-rays. Since the first IMOM in 2008, 14,000 patients from across the region (Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin and beyond) have received free dental care totaling over $9.3 million.
IMOM is still relevant today.
On Sept. 20 and 21, the Iowa Mission of Mercy will be in Davenport at the River Center. When we were here seven years ago, more than 1,300 patients received almost $925,000 in free dental care. We want to exceed that number this year.
What stops people from seeing a dentist? The barriers are fairly simple to identify. They include: lack of insurance, cost and fear of procedures.
The first two barriers – lack of insurance and cost – go hand in hand. More than 48 percent of Iowans are employed by a small business. Not all small businesses are able to provide full insurance benefits to their employees. Now factor in the part-time workers and others who for one reason or another don’t have insurance. That’s a lot of Iowans who have to pay out of pocket for dental procedures.
We have learned from our patients over the years that most understand that preventive care is important, but when juggling bills and life, it is easy to put off the dentist when your teeth don’t hurt. In fact, at the 2018 IMOM 37 percent of the patients said it had been more than a year since their last dental visit, and a surprising 20 percent said it had been at least five years. And, more than 40 percent of all the patients said they had been living with tooth pain for more than two months. If you’ve ever had tooth pain, you know that’s two months too long.
As for the fear of visiting the dentist, all we can say is Iowa dentists are great, especially those who donate their time and services at IMOM. They are kind, patient and try hard to put you at ease just as they do in their offices. However, at IMOM there is a special vibe. There are smiles everywhere from the volunteers to the patients. If fear is holding you back from seeing the dentist, then this is where you need to be.
IMOM is a special event that provides no cost access to dental care and changes patients’ lives over the course of just two days. The best part is patients leave smiling!
If you or a loved one are in need of dental care, come visit the dentists during IMOM. Because of the location on the river, both Iowa and Illinois residents will be able to receive care. For those who would like to see the impact of this event first-hand, register to volunteer at www.iowamom.org.
Dr. Kyle Gagliardo
Bettendorf