Free dental care available to 1,800 patients during 2-day clinic at Phoenix arena

PHOENIX – Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Phoenix will become the state’s largest free dental clinic for two days this week, with the capacity to provide care for 1,800 patients in need.

The 10th annual Arizona Dental Mission of Mercy is set to take place from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday inside the arena on the Arizona State Fairgrounds at 19th Avenue and McDowell Road. The services could end early Saturday if resources run out.

The clinic will see patients of all ages on a first-come, first-served basis. No IDs are required.

Gates will open at 5 a.m. for people to line up on the west side of the Coliseum. Overnight camping at the site is not permitted.

More than 300 volunteer dentists will be on hand working, supported by a staff of about 1,200 more volunteers, including dental hygienists, dental assistants, translators and lab personnel.

The dental professionals will attend to patients at 100 portable stations on the arena floor and provide care focusing on treating pain and infections.

The services will include fillings, extractions and cleanings, with lab work available on a limited basis.

The Central Arizona Dental Society Foundation puts on the event every year.

“While we’ve been providing dental services through AZMOM [Arizona Dental Mission of Mercy] for a decade, the lines don’t get shorter,” Dr. Ann Hammi-Blue, the group’s board president, said in a press release.

“Dental challenges often prevent people from being able to eat nutritiously, apply for many types of jobs, or socially connect. Sadly, we see the most significant need for preventative dental treatment amongst our most vulnerable populations – the elderly, veterans and children.”

More information, or to donate, visit the Arizona Dental Mission of Mercy website.

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