Salisbury will host a major free dental care event this fall as dentists from across Maryland volunteer to serve hundreds of Eastern Shore residents. The Eastern Shore Mission of Mercy clinic will take place at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center, 500 Glen Ave., on Friday, Sept. 13, and Saturday, Sept. 14, with patient services beginning at 7 a.m. each day.
The event brings together volunteer dentists, hygienists, and support staff for a two-day clinic offering essential dental care at no cost. According to the Maryland State Dental Association (MSDA), this marks the first large-scale Mission of Mercy gathering in the state since the COVID-19 pandemic. Smaller clinics have continued across Maryland in recent years, maintaining the organization’s commitment to accessible oral health care.
“Maryland Mission of Mercy events provide free dental care while educating patients and raising awareness about oral health disparities,” the MSDA stated in a news release. Members of the association have supported clinics statewide, from the Eastern Shore to Western Maryland.
Generous sponsorships from local organizations, including the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation, the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore (CFES), and CareFirst, have made the event possible. Dr. Tom a’Becket, president of the MSDA Charitable and Educational Foundation, expressed gratitude to both volunteers and sponsors. “We are thankful for the selfless dedication of our volunteers and the support from iconic organizations such as Perdue and CFES, which allow us to provide critical dental care to Marylanders in need,” he said.
The initiative aligns with Perdue’s community outreach program, “Delivering Hope To Our Neighbors,” which aims to improve quality of life and strengthen local communities. “We’re thrilled to help our neighbors access essential dental care and address issues that would otherwise go untreated,” said Kim Nechay, executive director of the Perdue Foundation.
CFES President Erica Joseph added, “The Eastern Shore Mission of Mercy exemplifies community philanthropy. Volunteers’ generosity and sponsors’ support combine to enhance health and wellbeing, creating a positive ripple effect throughout the Lower Shore.”
Since its inception in 2013, the Eastern Shore Mission of Mercy has made a significant impact. The first three events provided over $3 million in services with more than 3,000 volunteers contributing 23,500 hours. In 2019, the clinic treated over 1,100 patients, delivering services valued at more than $1.1 million, demonstrating the enduring importance of this annual initiative.
