MOM: A Herculean task that's mutually beneficial for both provider and patient

November 25, 2013

This past weekend my friend (who is also a dental hygienist) and I participated in the Missions of Mercy (MOM) event at the American Dental Association’s annual session in New Orleans. By all measures, the event was very successful and approximately 800 Louisianans received the desperately needed dental care they would otherwise have been unable to receive. Sponsors and 1,119 volunteers from 42 states provided more than $385,000 in free dentistry in less than 12 hours. As hygienists, we performed the basic dental hygiene services – prophylaxis, scaling and root planing procedures, and oral hygiene instructions on patients of all ages. The event was sponsored by the ADA and its supporting partners and it’s the first MOM event they have ever done!

Transforming Dental Hygiene Education: The future of the dental hygiene profession

MOM events have been coordinated in most states. The idea originated in Virginia when officials and healthcare professionals resolved to implement a program that attempted to meet the needs of the underserved in their state. In response to the lack of access to care and the resulting poor oral health of thousands of indigent Virginians, the Virginia Dental Association Foundation launched the Mission of Mercy in 2000. Different states were inspired and created their own MOM events with support from local and national organizations. As this program expanded, the need to address equipment and organizational concerns became critical. To address these issues, America’s Dentists Care Foundation was established in 2008 (ADCF). ADCF is an IRS designated 501(c)(3) public charity that supports all MOM events. They offer technical assistance to new state MOM events by providing a comprehensive “how to” manual. They also collect data from every event, which they happily share with anyone with the goal of providing visibility to the oral health needs of America’s underserved. To date, Mission of Mercy events have helped over 135,000 patients and provided nearly 76 million dollars in free services since 2000.

Coordinating a MOM event is a Herculean task. Following are just a few of the basic requirements:

• Your organization must become a member of the MOM family of states and a member of ADCF
• Your organization must be willing to organize a team of several hundred volunteers up to a year in advance
• Your organization must be able to enlist the services of up to 100 dental professionals to provide the services
• Your organization must be capable of securing a facility of 25,000 to 40,000 square feet to host the event
• Your organization must be willing to raise between $50,000 and $100,000 in private donations to fund the event
• Your organization must have approval and support from your state dental association

Participating in a MOM, however, only requires you to have a desire to use your skills, time, and experience to help people. You are responsible for your own travel expenses. Visit this siteand watch this to learn everything you need to know.

Participating in these events is one of the greatest things you can ever do for yourself, your community, and your profession. There is an orientation the day before the event where you meet your department "leader" and the other volunteers. You are provided with all the instruments and materials necessary. You also get snacks and a t-shirt!

Dental hygienists are very valued and respected at these events by other professionals and, especially, the patients. Our innate compassion and patience makes it easier for us to calm them so we can provide the care they desperately want and need. Our education and knowledge of oral and systemic disease allows us to counsel them on more than just oral hygiene. They are so grateful for the services we provide! Restoring a smile, as we all know, is very satisfying. But, truly, that is not the prize. The greatest reward we receive for the care we provide is in the exchange of humanity. For these patients, beaten and battered by life, freely recount their stories hoping to be heard.It is impossible not to hear them and carry them with you forever. In this way, we become better practitioners, better providers, and better people.

Diana Macri is a registered dental hygienist in New York City and co-author of the hygiene blog Empire Hygeniuses. She graduated from New York City College of Technology in 1995 with an Associate in Applied Science in Dental Hygiene and immediately began practicing dental hygiene. She obtained a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene from the University of Bridgeport in 2007 and a Master of Science in Education from Baruch College in 2012. Currently she is an Adjunct Lecturer at New York City College of Technology and a Clinical Instructor at New York University College of Dentistry. She is a strong advocate for the profession and seeks to promote its expansion and visibility. She practices and teaches in New York City, where she happily resides with her three sons. She’ll be lecturing at the Greater New York Dental Meeting in November and may be reached at [email protected].