Changing lives for the better.
That’s what I was amazed to see as one of the 500+ individuals who had the privilege of volunteering at the Missouri Mission of Mercy (MOMOM) dental clinic at the St. Joseph Civic Center on August 16, 2019. What an incredible event! The annual large-scale dental clinic, sponsored by the Missouri Dental Association Foundation, provides free dental treatment to patients, age five and older, who cannot otherwise get care. This was its first stop in northwest Missouri. Delta Dental of Missouri is a longtime supporter of MOMOM, and served as a benchmark sponsor—giving a $100,000 grant, as part of our social mission, to help the clinic provide care to hundreds of Missourians, along with patients from neighboring states.
This was my second time volunteering at a MOMOM event. Each time, I’ve been profoundly touched by the experience and having the opportunity to interact with many of the patients. It was sobering to look around the clinic floor to see so many kids and adults in need of care—but heartening to watch the relief and smiles on their faces after they received treatment—and for many, after their pain was diminished.
More than 500 children and adults received more than $631,000 in free dental care, which included:
- 510 cleanings
- 734 fillings
- 1,228 extractions
- 64 root canals
Patients were incredibly appreciative and shared their gratitude in dozens of messages of thanks to the dental care professionals and community volunteers. One patient wrote, “Praise yah!!! I have been fighting looking in the mirror for five years. Dr. took care of me and now I can smile and truly feel like I do on the inside. Thank you so very much.” Another patient wrote, “This was a great experience. You guys are a true blessing. The work was great and everyone was so very nice. Please don’t stop helping people with dental needs.”
Among the hundreds of volunteers were Robert E. Butler, DDS, chairman of the Delta Dental of Missouri Board of Directors, and one of his sons, as well as 14 Delta Dental of Missouri colleagues and some of their family members. Timothy S. Taylor, DDS, a fellow Delta Dental of Missouri Board member, served as co-chair of the clinic. And, I know that many of Delta Dental of Missouri’s other participating dentists and their practice staff members donated time and expertise to give care to the hundreds of patients.
It was inspiring to see the great kindness and compassion shown by the dental care teams and other volunteers who helped improve the quality of life, self-esteem and well-being for so many of our neighbors in need. We’re especially proud to work together in our mutual efforts to help people live better lives through improved dental health.
View the 2019 Official MOMOM Video on the Missouri Dental Association site.
Best regards,
E. B. Rob Goren
President and CEO
