The Virginia Dental Association's (VDA) recent 15th Mission of Mercy (MOM) project provided free preventive, restorative, and surgical dental treatments valued at $1.4 million for nearly 1,300 adults and children.
The event was held at the Wise County Fairgrounds from July 18-20. Gov. Terry McAuliffe toured the dental area on July 18 and presented the VDA and foundation with a proclamation in honor of the program's 15th anniversary.
MOM was created in 2000 by VDA Executive Director Terry Dickinson, DDS. Since then, the organization has partnered with thousands of dentists and volunteers to provide more than $35 million in free dental care to more than 55,000 patients and families across Virginia.
More than 25 states have implemented similar models. For many people living in rural areas -- particularly uninsured adults -- MOM projects play a critical role in providing access to dental care.
