Northlanders line up at the DECC for free dental care

DULUTH, Minn. (Northern News Now) – DULUTH, Minn. (Northern News Now) – For many people dental care is difficult to afford, but a non-profit holding an event in Duluth is ensuring Minnesotans from rural areas receive dental care free of charge.

The Minnesota Dental Association and Minnesota Dental Foundation hosted their Minnesota Mission of Mercy event at the DECC Friday and Saturday.

The Mission of Mercy aims to bring free dental care to those in need.

Linne Matthewson, a patient at the DECC, is getting her top teeth pulled out and said these kinds of events are important to the community.

“A lot of these places don’t have or take medical,” Matthewson said. “State medical or any kind of medical care or not taking new patients.”

The event offers services from fillings to cleanings to patients in need of dental care. Patients will be given registration and release forms to complete before a brief health screening.

Patients also don’t require photo identification, social security number, or any other personal documentation required.

Stephanie Albert, President of Delta Dental & Minnesota Foundation, one of the sponsors of Mission of Mercy says they’ve provided up to 50,000 procedures to 8,000 people.

“Oral health is so important to daily happiness and living and it’s very important to your overall health,” said Albert.

Minnesota Mission of Mercy brings dental hygienists and assistants from all over the state.

Tyrus Hayes, a dental student is providing oral surgery for patients. He says he’s grateful to be helping out in rural communities to provide dental services.

“It feels good to actually be there and to help those people and to be able to interact and show them that we actually care,” said Hayes.

All in a good day work to help patients like Matthewson.

“Some of us are very very grateful and that we appreciate what they’re doing,” said Matthewson.

Click here for information on the next Mission of Mercy event.

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