Minn. Mission of Mercy event to provide free care in late July

The Minnesota Dental Association (MDA), the Minnesota Dental Foundation, and Delta Dental of Minnesota are teaming up to bring the Minnesota Mission of Mercy to southern Minnesota on Friday, July 25, and Saturday, July 26. The mission will provide free dental care to children and adults who face barriers to accessing dental care at the Verizon Wireless Center in Mankato. It is anticipated the dental clinic will treat as many as 2,000 patients.

The event will highlight the unmet needs of thousands of patients, statedMichael Perpich, DDS, president of the MDA, in a press release.

"We are returning to the Mankato area to make a difference in the lives of thousands of people," Dr. Perpich said. "Clearly, vulnerable people are not receiving the dental treatment they need. Until this problem is solved, the MDA will continue to work with lawmakers on a better solution to improve the broken public system."

The care provided will include cleanings, fillings, extractions, and limited treatment for partial dental appliances. More than 1,000 volunteers, including dentists from Minnesota and surrounding states, as well as hygienists, dental assistants, translators, and lay volunteers are participating. The first Minnesota Mission of Mercy was held in Mankato in 2012 and resulted in 2,000 patient visits.