PROVIDENCE – The Rhode Island Oral Health Foundation’s 2018 Rhode Island Mission of Mercy free dental clinic will be held in September at the Delta Dental of Rhode Island dental clinic at Providence Community Health Centers, 335 R Prairie Ave. in Providence.
The annual clinics routinely draw large crowds of people hoping to receive free dental care who would otherwise be financially forced to postpone needed dental exams, fillings and surgery. The clinic is a collaborative effort of Delta Dental of Rhode Island, Providence Community Health Centers and RIOHF.
The 2018 clinic is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 29 and 30.
“I am grateful that Delta Dental of Rhode Island and the Providence Community Health Centers have stepped up to ensure the continuation of the Rhode Island Mission of Mercy free dental clinic,” said Gov. Gina M. Raimondo. “This clinic provides an invaluable service and I am appreciative of all the people that volunteer their time and skills to improving the oral health of our most vulnerable citizens.”
Delta Dental of Rhode Island has been a premier sponsor of the Mission of Mercy clinic since 2012.
“We are pleased that the Mission of Mercy clinic will carry on in a setting dedicated to improving the health and oral health of Rhode Islanders,” said Joe Nagle, president and CEO of Delta Dental of Rhode Island. “Our premier sponsorship of this event is an important part of fulfilling our own mission of improving the oral health of all Rhode Islanders. In addition, the many Delta Dental employees who look forward to volunteering their time at this event each year are thrilled that the Mission of Mercy will continue.”
Since 2012, the free dental clinic has provided care to more than 4,025 patients. Services provided to patients, who are seen on a first-come, first-served basis, include fillings, extractions, cleanings, root canals and oral-cancer screenings, among others.
Rob Borkowski is a PBN staff writer. Email him at Borkowski@PBN.com.