Record-breaking success due to sponsors, volunteers

Thank you! We cannot say it often enough or loud enough how much we appreciate the extraordinary efforts of all the volunteers and sponsors from across Iowa who made the Mission of Mercy in Cedar Rapids a record-breaking success. In two short days (Nov. 5-6), more than 1,000 volunteers and 200 dentists from across the state treated more than 1,500 patients and provided more than $950,000 in free dental care.

Our volunteer dental professionals saw patients from all corners of the state, as well as others who traveled hundreds of miles from out-of-state to seek desperately needed dental care. Many of these patients included Iowa's most vulnerable residents, who lack access to basic dental care due to the continued underfunding of the state's public health programs, such as Medicaid.

But Mission of Mercy and other volunteer programs provide only a temporary solution to a long-term problem. Regular dental care is needed to ensure that patients don't forgo preventive care and let minor infections or cavities develop into serious medical conditions.

We pledge to continue working with policymakers and health agencies to increase funding for oral health care programs to help Iowans lead healthier lives.

Dr. Bill Strohman

President,

Iowa Dental

Association

Dr. David Davidson

President,

Iowa Dental

Foundation

Dr. Dick Hettinger

Chair,

Iowa Mission of Mercy