The American Dental Association (ADA) is rallying its membership to join a Mission of Mercy (MOM) charity dental clinic on Sunday, November 3, 2013, in New Orleans, the site of its 2013 Annual Session. Together with America’s Dentists Cares Foundation and support from the Louisiana and New Orleans Dental Associations, the event aims to serve 1,000 people in need of dental care.
ADA-member dentists, their team members, clerical, and support staff are invited to join.
“Volunteers are the backbone of this program, and this year’s event is truly unique given it’s the first to actively recruit dental professionals from around the country,” said Mark C. Huberty, DDS, chair of ADA Mission of Mercy. “We will need approximately 750 people to pitch in their time and talent for a great cause that gives back to the public and our profession.”
MOM volunteers serve many roles during a typical event, with dental professionals generally providing triage services, diagnostics, and treatment, including restorative and specialty care. Other volunteers, including students, laboratory technicians and office specialists, provide support to help the MOM clinics run smoothly. Spouses and family members over 18 years of age are also welcome to help with event registration, set-up/tear-down, and other logistics. CareCredit, in tandem with Give Kids a Smile, the ADA’s care program for underserved children, will sponsor the children’s portion of the event.
This year’s ADA MOM in New Orleans will run from 5:30AM to 5:30PM Central Standard Time, with full and half day shifts available for volunteers.
At this time, the ADA asks that MOM volunteers keep event details private so attendance can be managed through local promotional efforts. MOM participants do not need to be registered for the ADA Annual Session to volunteer.
