FLA-MOM: Helping the Less Fortunate
Oral health is inseparable from general health and can affect a person’s self-esteem, compromise their ability to work, attend school and lead a normal life. Unfortunately, too many Americans lack access to preventive dental care due to factors such as income, education and having health insurance.
The Florida Mission of Mercy (FLA-MOM) is a two day clinic which provides free dental care to the underserved and uninsured in Florida – those that would otherwise go without dental care. The Florida Mission of Mercy (is a first-come, first-serve event with a goal of treating 2,000 patients in two days. Every year, the Florida Mission of Mercy project is held in a different locations throughout the state.
FLA-MOM Goals
- PROVIDE free access to dental care for 2,000+ people of all ages while placing a high priority on patients suffering from dental infections or pain.
- EDUCATE patients and family members in attendance about the importance of obtaining and maintaining optimal oral health.
- RAISE AWARENESS of the increasing difficulty low-income Florida adults face in accessing critical dental care.
- CHALLENGE patients, policymakers, and dental professionals to work together to improve the oral health of those who have been promised care by the state.
The local committee, FDAF Board & staff work in concert with the America’s Dentists Care Foundation (ADCF) to conduct FLA-MOM events.
FLA-MOM LEADERSHIP
Pensacola 2017
Dr. Kim Jernigan, DDS
Co-chair, Florida Mission of Mercy
kjernigan97@gmail.com
Dr. Beau Biggs, DMD
Co-chair, Florida Mission of Mercy
beaubiggs@gmail.com
Dr. Jolene Paramore, DMD
Fundraising Lead
jparamore@bot.floridadental.org