The Wisconsin Dental Association (WDA) and WDA Foundation's first Mission of Mercy was "an overwhelming success," the organization announced.
More than 1,500 children and adults received more than $850,000 in free dental care June 26 and 27 in La Crosse, WI.
Twenty-seven percent more patients than originally anticipated received treatments, exceeding the original estimate by 41%, the WDA said. Care included fillings, extractions, and cleanings. Four dental labs working with technicians from Wisconsin and Minnesota created 135 treatment partials and repaired 18 to 20 dentures.
A team of 903 volunteers, including 170 dentists, 87 dental hygienists, and dental assistants, dental students, and community members from across Wisconsin and several other states provided the free care. WDA Mission of Mercy volunteers included 10 dentists and hygienists from four other states. They were the first to utilize Wisconsin's new temporary, no-fee permit for out-of-state dental professionals wanting to travel to the state and volunteer at charitable care programs.
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