116 3rd St SE
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
Free dental care mission coming to Cedar Rapids
Cindy Hadish
May. 6, 2010 5:00 am
More than 1,500 Iowans will receive free dental care when the Iowa Mission of Mercy comes to Cedar Rapids in the fall.
The first Mission of Mercy in Waterloo in 2008 and last year's event in Newton were met with an overwhelming response. Dentists, other professionals and volunteers from across the state provided $1.4 million worth of free dental care to nearly 3,000 patients at those sessions.
This will be the first time the free care will be offered in Cedar Rapids. Dates will be announced at 2 p.m. today at the U.S. Cellular Center, where the event will be held.
Organizers expect more than 1,000 dentists and others to provide free oral health care to more than 1,500 Iowans during the two-day clinic.
State leaders note that many Iowans lack dental insurance, including those who are employed or have other medical insurance. Clinics that offer free dental care, including the Community Health Free Clinic in Cedar Rapids, often have long waiting lists.
Iowa Mission of Mercy is open to everybody. Patients do not need to meet any eligibility requirements or to preregister.
Volunteer dentists, dental hygienists and dental assistants treat patients on a first-come, first-served basis.
For more information, see