Arkansas Mission of Mercy | ArMOM Provides Free Dental Care During 2-Day Clinic
Posted Mar 2024
By Delta Dental of Arkansas
Tagged Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation, Arkansas State Dental Association, tooth fairy, dental event, dental clinic, dental pain, volunteers, free dental care, dental care, ArMOM, Arkansas Mission of Mercy
Arkansas Mission of Mercy | ArMOM Provides Free Dental Care During 2-Day Clinic
What is
(2 days
+ 100 or more dentists
+ at least 100 dental hygienists
+ 300 or so dental assistants
+ 500 other volunteers
+ 1 tooth fairy?)
÷ about 1,000 people from across the state and beyond?
= Arkansas Mission of Mercy (ArMOM)
What is the Arkansas Mission of Mercy (ArMOM)?
The Arkansas Mission of Mercy, better known by its affectionate acronym ArMOM, is a 2-day charitable dental clinic that provides free dental care to low-income, underserved Arkansans. Locations vary throughout the state.
It was launched by the Arkansas State Dental Association in the early 2000s; the Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation later became a key sponsor with an annual $150,000 grant over five years.
Hundreds of volunteers, including dentists, physicians, dental hygienists and assistants, nurses, pharmacists, interpreters and Delta Dental of Arkansas employees, offer their time, expertise and passion for oral health to improve the smiles of Arkansans.
They treat thousands of patients, some of whom start lining up in the wee hours of the morning. The total amount of dental treatments is estimated to exceed $1 million each year, with an average value of more than $1,000 per person. But not a single adult or child must pay for the services—they are free.
.
Who Can Obtain Free Dental Care at ArMOM?
The event is open to any child or adult. There are no eligibility, insurance or income requirements.
Services are provided on a first-come, first-serve basis. No appointments are necessary or scheduled.
The entire family can be treated; however, children aged 17 and under must be under constant supervision by an adult, and children aged 17 and under must be accompanied by their legal guardian for the duration of the dental treatment. Guardians cannot receive dental services on the same day as their children.
Exceptions
Patients may be unable to receive dental treatments if they have
- a fever
- uncontrollable/abnormally high blood pressure
- uncontrollable/abnormally high blood sugar or
- a history of excessive bleeding.
What Dental Services Does ArMOM Provide?
Services typically include
ArMOM 2024
ArMOM 2024 is scheduled for
April 12-13, 2024
Conway Expo and Event Center
2025 East Oak Street
Conway, AR 72032
Click here to download and share the flyer in English. |
Haga clic aquí para descargar y compartir el folleto en español. |
Doors open at 6 a.m. on both days. No appointment is necessary; services will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Patients are encouraged to bring food and water to avoid losing their place in line.
Volunteer at ArMOM 2024
Almost 1,000 volunteers of many different types are needed to make ArMOM a success:
- Dental professionals (CE credit is available)
- Physicians
- Pharmacists
- Nurses
- Spanish and Marshallese interpreters
- Set-up help on April 11
- Take-down help on April 12
- Lay workers and more.
Funding for Oral Health Projects Available
Our Delta Dental of Arkansas Foundation, a major ArMOM sponsor, provides grants for various oral health education and dental disease prevention or treatment projects and initiatives.
How could we help your organization bring healthy smiles to more Arkansans?
Check out the various funding opportunities, guidelines and application details.