The Massachusetts Dental Society will host a free adult dental clinic in Worcester on Nov. 15, offering a range of services to residents in need.
The event, part of the Mission of Mercy initiative, will take place at the DCU Center. According to the association’s website and flyer, the clinic will provide treatments including tooth extractions, fillings, root canals for front teeth only, X-rays, fluoride varnish, and oral health education and training.
Amanda Berthiaume, a dental hygienist and member of the Massachusetts Dental Hygienist Association, said this is the first time a Mission of Mercy clinic will be held in Massachusetts. Similar clinics have previously been hosted in Rhode Island and Connecticut.
“The dental hygienist association tried to organize it before, but it’s a very heavy lift,” Berthiaume said. “This year, the Massachusetts Dental Society stepped up. They have a foundation that provides funding for initiatives like this.”
Worcester was selected as the clinic site because it is centrally located for residents of eastern and western Massachusetts, Berthiaume explained.
“Western Mass. has a strong need for dental care,” said Berthiaume, who lives in Springfield. “The DCU Center is a great space to hold the event.”
The clinic’s goal is to serve individuals who are underserved, uninsured, or would otherwise go without dental care, according to the association. Doors will open at 6 a.m. at the DCU Center, 50 Foster St., and services will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
Patients will undergo a registration process, which includes vital checks and a review of medical and dental history. Individuals can request specific treatments, such as a cleaning or tooth extraction. As the clinic’s radiology lead, Berthiaume will provide X-rays to patients during triage.
“We aim to provide lasting dental care for these patients—treatments that will last at least five years, if not longer,” she said.
The clinic hopes to serve 300 people, though Berthiaume noted organizers will accommodate as many participants as possible.
Looking ahead, the Massachusetts Dental Society hopes to host another Mission of Mercy clinic in the state, though the location has not yet been determined.
“At this point, we’re focused on successfully completing this inaugural event,” Berthiaume said.