The Iowa Dental Foundation held its annual free dental clinic, Iowa Mission of Mercy, Sept. 19–20 at the Hyatt Regency Coralville, providing care to 580 patients at no cost.
Jason Niegsch, a clinic chief who has participated for 15 years, said the program’s mission keeps him returning. “It’s a chance to give back to Iowans and improve their quality of life when they don’t have access to care,” he said.
The clinic ran from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Niegsch noted that patients collectively saved more than $500,000 in dental costs.
Founded in 2008, Iowa Mission of Mercy is a traveling dental program coordinated by the Iowa Dental Foundation. Over the years, it has provided nearly $13.5 million in free dental services to more than 18,000 Iowa residents.
Jessica Mason, communications and sales manager for the Iowa Dental Association, explained that the foundation operates as a nonprofit under the association. She said patients were treated on a first-come, first-served basis, with no appointment needed. The University of Iowa’s College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics also supported the event.
More than 1,000 volunteers from across Iowa assisted during the Coralville clinic. Many were UI alumni, while hundreds came from outside the university. Licensed dental professionals provided cleanings, fillings, extractions, root canals, X-rays, and partial dentures. The clinic did not offer crowns, implants, full dentures, or complex wisdom tooth extractions due to time and resource constraints.
Zach Kouri, another clinic chief, said the goal was to help patients struggling with insurance, cost, or access to care. “Our aim is to address urgent oral health issues and send patients home with healthier smiles, less pain, and renewed confidence,” he said.
Patients underwent initial screenings to create individualized treatment plans. Wait times ranged from six to eight hours. The clinic offered free childcare and was open to all ages, with minors required to be accompanied by a parent or guardian. No documentation or proof of income or insurance was needed, and translators were available.
For volunteers, the clinic offered a rewarding experience. Tanya Tjarks, a co-lead in coding and charting, said, “It truly does take a village. The teamwork here is incredible, and it’s so fulfilling to help people who might not have access to care.”
First-year UI dental student Helaina Hilliard said volunteering allowed her to assist wherever needed. “It’s the most rewarding experience ever to see patients leave free from pain,” she said.