Mission of Mercy in Tallahassee: Restored Smiles and Social Impact
- Alex Gomes
- Sep 5
- 2 min read
Empowering Communities Through Volunteer Dentistry and Transforming Lives One Smile at a Time
The Florida Dental Association Foundation hosted the seventh edition of the Florida Mission of Mercy at the Tucker Civic Center in Tallahassee, providing free dental care to over 1,300 people, with services valued at approximately $1.79 million, highlighting the significant impact of the program on the community’s oral health.
“It gave me my confidence back. It was amazing. They treated you like anyone else,” shared Jesse Graves, a local pastor who participated in the event.
The Purpose of Florida Mission of Mercy
The Mission of Mercy is a two-day dental event created to serve individuals who face challenges accessing regular dental care. Previous events in cities like Tampa, Jacksonville, Pensacola, Fort Myers, and Orlando have helped over 10,000 patients, providing more than $11 million in donated care.
According to Dr. Sue Byrne, co-chair of the 2022 event, “We are honored to provide essential preventive care and treatments safely to so many patients.”
Community Benefits
Events like Mission of Mercy not only provide dental treatment but also raise awareness about the importance of oral health education and prevention. Untreated dental problems can lead to repeated visits to emergency rooms, missed school days, and lower academic performance.
“There is a significant need for public health dentistry in Florida, and solutions are needed to ensure care for underserved communities,” says Dr. Natalie Carr Bustillo, president of the FDA Foundation.
Beyond the annual event, Florida Dental Association member dentists provide free dental care and oral health education year-round through programs such as Project: Dentists Care and Florida Donated Dental Services.
The Role of Dental Professionals
For Dental Assistants and Hygienists, volunteering at Mission of Mercy is a valuable opportunity for learning and professional growth. Working at these events allows professionals to gain experience in diverse clinical settings, collaborate as a team, and make a real difference in the lives of people in need.
Support from ToothTalk by Alex
The ToothTalk by Alex platform supports initiatives like Mission of Mercy, recognizing the power of volunteerism and social impact in dentistry. By encouraging participation in community programs, ToothTalk by Alex aims to inspire professionals to contribute to oral health and social well-being.
Investing in the Future of Oral Health
The state of Florida sponsored this event, providing $225,000 to support essential dental care. The initiative is also part of Florida’s Action for Dental Health, aimed at expanding public health dentistry, increasing access to care for underserved communities, and supporting volunteer dentists, including incentives for practicing in rural and underprivileged areas.
“Everyone deserves access to good oral health, but many Floridians still face barriers,” emphasizes Dr. David Boden, president of the Florida Dental Association.
For more information, visit FLAMOM.org.
Original Photos by Special to the Tallahassee Democrat