Those in need can receive complimentary dental services tomorrow and Saturday at The Michigan Mission of Mercy is hosting the free dental clinic at Calvin College's Huizinga Tennis and Track Center. It’s offered by the Michigan Dental Association Foundation. Michigan's Mission of Mercy started in 2013 and has donated three million dollars so far in complimentary dental services to more than four thousand patients.
“When you see somebody walk in that won’t smile and by the time they finish. They walk out with this huge smile that is all I need. I get so much more out of seeing a patient and being able to change their life than working all year in my office.”
Dr. Margaret Gingrich, assistant chair of Mission of Mercy, and President Elect of the Michigan Dental Association says she’s excited about the upcoming “Mission of Mercy” to be held at Calvin College’s Huizinga Tennis and Track Center, June 1st and 2nd. It’s for lower income individuals unable to afford dental visits or those with insurance who cannot afford the co pay.
“We are able do cleanings, tooth removal, root canals; we can see children. We take x rays and do everything from start to finish.”
The Mission of Mercy is a free dental clinic offered by the Michigan Dental Association Foundation. Held every other year it’s the first time it’s being held in Grand Rapids. Dr. Gingrich says full service dental stations are trucked in to serve children and adults with a variety of dental concerns.
“We have the best dentists in the state, they’re will to give up days of work to come and work on these individuals. But we also have dental assistants, lab technicians. We have over 1200 volunteers that will help to take care of one to two thousand patients that we hope to see in these two days.”
Dr. Gingrich says its first come first served. Doors at Calvin College open Friday and Saturday morning at 6 am.
