Free dental care will be available to those in need in Enid, Oklahoma, on and as the 15th Annual Oklahoma Mission of Mercy (OkMOM) takes place at the Stride Bank Center. The event, organized by the Oklahoma Dental Association and Oklahoma Dental Foundation, provides a crucial service to individuals who are uninsured, underinsured, or lack regular access to dental care.
Addressing a Significant Need for Dental Access
OkMOM is a two-day clinic designed to address a critical gap in healthcare access. Patients are screened to determine their specific dental needs and then directed to appropriate treatment areas, including oral surgery, extractions, restorations, and hygiene services. Since its inception in 2010, OkMOM has provided significant dental care to the Oklahoma community.
To date, the program has performed 124,057 procedures and treated 20,162 patients. The value of the dental treatment provided through OkMOM has reached $18 million. The average community donation per patient is $965, highlighting the collaborative effort required to make this event possible.
Volunteer Power and Community Support
The success of OkMOM relies heavily on the generosity of volunteer dentists, specialists, hygienists, and dental assistants. These professionals donate their time and expertise to provide much-needed care at no charge. Additional volunteers assist with essential tasks such as registration and hospitality. Volunteer registration typically opens on October 15th each year.
The Oklahoma Mission of Mercy is funded through generous donations from sponsors and partners. Those interested in supporting the event can contact the Oklahoma Dental Association at okmom@okda.org.
Similar Initiatives in Neighboring States
Oklahoma’s commitment to accessible dental care is mirrored by similar initiatives in neighboring states. The Kansas Dental Charitable Foundation (KDCF) operates the Kansas Mission of Mercy (KMOM), a free dental clinic that has treated 33,537 patients since 2003. KMOM has provided over $23 million in free dental care.
The next KMOM event is scheduled for and , 2026, at the National Guard Armory in Manhattan, Kansas. Like OkMOM, KMOM prioritizes treating patients with the most urgent dental needs, such as extractions, fillings, and dental hygiene. The KDCF emphasizes the importance of community support, including volunteer contributions, food donations, and in-kind donations.
How the Missions of Mercy Operate
Both OkMOM and KMOM follow a similar model of operation. Patients are screened and treated based on their most pressing dental needs. Licensed dentists and hygienists volunteer their services to provide care. These missions rely on substantial community involvement to provide care to those who might otherwise go without.
The KDCF highlights that for every $100 donated, KMOM can provide over $1,000 in free dental care, demonstrating the significant impact of financial contributions. The foundation actively seeks opportunities to help as many people as possible and relies on the dedication of “KMOM Heroes” – the volunteers who donate their time and talents.
Accessibility and Ongoing Need
The existence of programs like OkMOM and KMOM underscores the significant unmet dental needs within these communities. Thousands of individuals in Kansas and Oklahoma lack access to affordable dental care, making these free clinics a vital resource. The ongoing success of these missions depends on continued volunteer support, financial donations, and community engagement.
Individuals seeking more information about OkMOM can visit the OkMOM website. Further details about the Kansas Mission of Mercy and opportunities to donate or volunteer can be found on the KDCF website.
