Patients

The FDA Foundation launched its signature philanthropic program in 2014, the Florida Mission of Mercy (FLA-MOM). FLA-MOM is a large-scale, two-day, professional dental clinic that provides care to any patient at no cost to them with the goal of serving the under-served and uninsured in Florida — those who may otherwise go without care.

The Florida Mission of Mercy seeks to have a positive impact on the communities in Central Florida by providing important access to dental care while restoring dignity and creating smiles.

We are happy to announce that the ninth Florida Mission of Mercy will be held in Lakeland, FL at the RP Funding Center.

Florida Mission of Mercy
May 31 - June 1, 2024
Lakeland, FL 

 

We are happy to announce that the ninth Florida Mission of Mercy will be held in Lakeland, FL at the RP Funding Center, 701 West Lime Street, Lakeland, FL 33815

Florida Mission of Mercy
May 31 - June 1, 2024
Lakeland, FL 

The FLA-MOM clinic treats patients of all ages, from elderly to children. 

Please note: Children under the age of 18 will not receive treatment unless accompanied by their parent or legal guardian.

Patients will be seen on a first-come, first-served basis. Patients who are in pain often have an accompanying infection. 

FLA-MOM does not want anyone to wait until the event to seek critical dental or medical attention, as delaying could lead to more serious consequences.

While the goal is to be able to treat as many patients as possible, there is no guarantee of treatment. Every attempt will be made to care for those who are present.

Patients may be seen whether they are uninsured, under-insured, or insured, given they do not have medically compromising conditions. Photo identification, Social Security Number or other personal identification/documentation will NOT be required.

Volunteer interpreters will be available to assist patients who speak a language other than English.. If you do not speak English, please bring an interpreter, as we cannot guarantee an interpreter will be available to assist you.

We do have a small pediatric dentistry department. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by parent or guardian at all times.

NOTE: Take your usual daily medications as directed by your physician. If you are unsure whether you can have local anesthesia (“numb sensation”) and dental care in an outpatient setting, please ask a physician before you arrive.

If we think it’s unsafe for you to receive dental care due to uncontrolled medical conditions, we will not treat you.

• Cleanings
• Fillings
• Extractions
• Limited root canal therapy
• Pediatric dentistry
• Oral health education
• X-rays
• Limited number of dentures and partials

• SEDATION AND NARCOTICS NOT AVAILABLE OR ONSITE.

If you have dental pain, please do NOT wait to seek care, as this could be a sign of a serious condition. If dental pain is severe and accompanied by fever or swelling, go to a hospital emergency room immediately! For a list of low-cost dental clinics, please visit fdacares.com.

• Bone grafting
• Braces
• Crowns
• Extraction of unerupted wisdom teeth
• Gum surgery
• Implants 
• Tooth whitening (bleaching)
• Narcotics

Patients at the FLA-MOM clinic can expect quality dental care provided at no cost by licensed dental and medical professionals.  Volunteers will treat patients with dignity and respect while providing need dental care.  Our goal is to treat as many people as we can while placing a priority on relieving dental pain and treating infections.

Patients will begin with registration, oral health education and medical triage before they are assessed. Patients will then receive a full panoramic X-ray followed by a consultation in dental triage to determine the patient's most urgent need.

Treatment is limited to one quadrant of the patient’s mouth where there is the most critical need. 

Please be aware that as the Florida Mission of Mercy volunteer dentists make an effort to treat as many patients as possible, the time spent at the clinic may be several hours to accommodate for patient flow, treatment plans and lab fabrication for dentures and flippers.

Please eat a good meal prior to arriving at the clinic.

Plan to be on-site for at least several hours.  This is a first come, first serve event.  We plan to treat 2,000 patients.

Please be aware that as the Florida Mission of Mercy volunteer dentists make an effort to treat as many patients as possible, the time spent at the clinic may be several hours to accommodate for patient flow, treatment plans and lab fabrication for dentures and flippers.

Please eat a good meal prior to arriving at the clinic.


 

There is no guarantee of treatment. Patients are seen until the day’s capacity is met. All patients must go through a medical health screening and must meet requirements for blood pressure, blood-clotting and blood sugar levels in order to be receive dental treatment.

We reserve the right to refuse treatment to anyone who has signs of intoxication or illegal drug use or is found to be threatening to other patients and/or volunteers. 

For a list of low-cost dental clinics throughout the state, please visit fdacares.com.

The most critical need of the patient will be addressed. 

The Florida Mission of Mercy is a two-day, professional dental clinic staffed by volunteer dental, medical and community volunteers who donate their time and talents to provide dental care to the community at no cost. 

There will be free on-site parking. There will be “Patient Parking” signage. Designated disabled spots will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

You should bring and take any prescription medications that you currently are prescribed. You may have to wait outside for several hours, so please dress accordingly. Bring sunscreen, bug repellent, blankets and things to help pass the time (e.g. books, cards).

Often times our patients are cold inside the clinic.  Please bring a sweatshirt or blanket to stay warm.  Our dental volunteers wear gloves, masks and gowns and with so many people in the building and the time of year, it is imperative that the air conditioning is set to keep the providers comfortable.

Outside chairs are not provided, so you may want to bring a lawn chair. If bringing young children, be sure to pack diapers and a change of clothes to keep them comfortable. Please note that everything you bring must be carried with you or returned to your car before entering the building.

You should also bring a phone charger with you.

You will not be allowed to leave and re-enter the building without losing your place in line. The building will be air conditioned, so wear layers so you can adjust accordingly.

Licensed dentists, dental hygienists and dental assistants provide the majority of care. Some fourth-year dental students from the University of Florida College of Dentistry, Nova Southeastern University School of Dental Medicine and LECOM School of Dental Medicine (under supervision of faculty members or school-approved preceptors) may also provide care.

We do not have any narcotics onsite. After extractions, some patients will receive a written prescription for other medications to be filled at a pharmacy.


 

No. Everyone providing care and helping at the clinic is a volunteer. No one is paid.

We do not file any type of insurance claims or accept any forms of payment. All services are provided at no charge to FLA-MOM patients.

Yes. Patients will need to transfer in and out of a treatment chair either on their own or with assistance.

ADA service animals are permitted in the venue. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) defines a service animal as any guide dog, signal dog or other animal individually trained to aid an individual with a disability. Service dogs must be appropriately harnessed and have current vaccination certificates and documentation.

No family pets or animals are allowed.

Volunteering is not a requirement to receive care, nor does it assure a place in line.

We need the following types of volunteers:

• Dentists, Hygienists, Dental Assistants
• Dental Lab Technicians
• Physician, Nurses, EMTs
• General Community Volunteers
  • Patient Registration
  • Volunteer Registration
  • Patient Escorts
  • Interpreters
  • Parking Attendants
  • Hospitality