Patients! Please DO NOT wait until the event to obtain dental care if your need is urgent. Individuals with dental pain can have an accompanying infection. NO ONE should wait until New York State Mission of Mercy to seek critical dental or medical attention as this could lead to serious health consequences. 

New York State Mission of Mercy is a first-come, first-served event. Even if you are in the line to receive care there is a possibility that you may not be seen. Since you may not be able to receive treatment at this event, do not delay dental treatment.

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Patient FAQ

What is New York State Mission of Mercy?
New York State Mission of Mercy is aimed at providing free dental care to New Yorkers in need. The event is a collaborative effort between the New York State Dental Association, the New York State Dental Foundation and the national charitable organization Missions of Mercy.  

At the New York State Mission of Mercy event, dental professionals will provide patients with free services such as cleanings, fillings, extractions, oral health education and assistance in finding a dental home.  The event is aimed at individuals and families who experience barriers to dental care.


When and where is this free dental clinic?
The clinic doors will open at 5:30 am in order to register patients so that services can begin at 6:00 a.m. When the clinic has reached the number of patients it can serve that day, the rest of the people in line will be asked to come on Saturday and will be provided with information on local dental clinics and/or dentists. Patients are seen on a first-come, first-served basis.  We strongly encourage you to come early.


How can I receive services at New York State Mission of Mercy?
Patients are seen on a first come, first serve basis, so you will have to come and wait in line. Potential patients often begin lining up hours before we see our first patient at 7 am in order to have the best chance of receiving treatment.  Once the total number of patients we can see that day have been registered, no additional patients can be seen.  Because we see hundreds of patients in a day, please be prepared to wait several hours for service.  We suggest bringing all prescribed medications, snacks and water.  Access to bathrooms will be provided.


What kind of services can I expect to receive at New York State Mission of Mercy?
New York State Mission of Mercy’ main goal is to relieve pain and infection.  We provide extractions, fillings, and cleanings.  We do not provide cosmetic dentistry, implants, bridges, crowns, or braces.  Further, we may determine that we cannot take care of all your dental needs at New York State Mission of Mercy, so that we can relieve pain for the greatest number of patients.

New York State Mission of Mercy volunteers cannot treat patients with some specific medically compromising conditions such as extremely high blood pressure. All potential New York State Mission of Mercy patients will receive an initial medical screening before any treatment. 

The clinic will be run on a first-come, first-served basis. Patients will arrive at the treatment facility, register for services, and complete and sign a health release form. Patients will receive an initial screening, or medical triage, and then a volunteer dentist will check the patient’s mouth to determine what procedure(s) are most needed (dental triage). 

Due to the sheer volume of expected patients and time constraints, dentists will not be able to address every dental problem a patient may have. During dental triage, a volunteer dentist will determine which procedure(s) would most benefit the patient. 

Patients requiring fillings, extractions or other such services will receive home care instructions along with a phone number should the individual have any problems in the 2 weeks following the New York State Mission of Mercy event. If you feel you an emergency or have a questions about the care you received, call the number provided.  If needed, you will then be referred to a dentist who has agreed to see New York State Mission of Mercy patients for emergency follow-up care. Emergency follow-up care is only provided for the teeth that were treated at New York State Mission of Mercy. 

Throughout New York State Mission of Mercy, patients will receive dental education and advice on how to take care of their mouth, teeth and gums as well as overall health.


Is there a maximum income level for patients? 
No, we do not ask any questions regarding your financial situation.


Do I need to have insurance?
No, we do not file any type of insurance claims or accept any forms of payment. All work is done at no charge.


Is there a number I can call for help if I have any problems or questions with the treatment I received at New York State Mission of Mercy?
Yes.  You can call 1-800-255-2100. Someone will return your call as soon as possible.


Do I have to wait in line if my case is an emergency?
Everyone has to wait in line for services; there are no exceptions.  Most New York State Mission of Mercy patients are suffering and in pain, so we do not take anyone out of line.


How long can I expect to spend at New York State Mission of Mercy?
Patients seeking treatment at New York State Mission of Mercy should be prepared to spend the entire day at the event. If you are not available when your name is called for treatment, we will move on to the next patient. Bring water and snacks for yourself and any of your children.


Do I need to bring a list of the medication I am taking?
Yes. Please have a list of all of the medications, including the dosage, you are currently taking.  You will need to list all medications on the health history form.  Patients on Coumadin/anticoagulants must show their current INR card during the medical screening process.  If the card is more than 3 days old, an INR test will be given.

Some patients wait overnight for dental treatment PLEASE BE SURE TO TAKE ANY AND ALL PRESCRIBED MEDICATIONS AS YOU NORMALLY DO.  Do not skip any doses. If you are on blood pressure medication and do not take it when you are supposed to, it could prevent you from receiving dental care. 


Will pain medication be prescribed?
No. Controlled substances will not be available at the clinic.  Over the counter pain relievers will be available for those in need.


Will childcare be available during the event?
No. Please only bring your children to New York State Mission of Mercy if they are receiving treatment


Can my child(ren) receive dental care too?
Yes.  New York State Mission of Mercy volunteers are able to treat children. If under the age of 18, you will have to have the parent or guardian sign the consent form to give us permission to treat you.



It is difficult for me to walk – will there be help available? 

Yes. Wheelchairs and those with special needs will be accommodated as best as possible. 


I do not speak English, will there be interpreters?
Yes.  New York State Mission of Mercy will have volunteers that speak a variety of languages including Spanish. 


Where do I park?
Free parking is available.


Can I smoke?
Hudson Valley Community College is a tobacco free site. Click here to read HVCC tobacco free rules.

What do I do with my belongings?
Patients will be allowed to bring one personal item into the clinic.  All other items must be left outside.  No pets will be allowed inside unless they are official service pets.   


This clinic is free – how can that be?
The New York State Dental Association/Foundation, realizing that dental services are not financially feasible for many New Yorkers, organized and raised funds for this event.  Many volunteers are donating their time and expertise to provide dental services.  In addition, local, state and national organizations have donated supplies for the event.


I would like to volunteer for a New York State Mission of Mercy event.
If you are interested in making a difference at one of our upcoming events, we can surely find a place for you. Be it patient registration or dental care, there is a way for you to make oral health care a reality for those without options. Register online by clicking. Each volunteer needs to register separately in order to receive registration materials and a thank-you letter. Click here for more information on volunteering.

Is it possible to volunteer and receive dental treatment at New York State Mission of Mercy?
Unfortunately, no.  The volume of patients in line prevents us from offering this privilege to volunteers.  Volunteers are welcome to stand in line for services but no special arrangements will be given to volunteers. 

The Oregon Dental Association launches 'Teach Me How to Brushy' public service campaign! The video is aimed at communicating the importance of establishing healthy dental habits at an early age. Be sure to visitwww.teachmehowtobrushy.com to check out other interesting dental health facts on the lower half of the tab, where you can also find information about our oral health stars. 
Produced By: Grady Britton 
Performed By: Young Fiyah 

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