Mission of Mercy brings free dental care to S.F.

The New Mexico Mission of Mercy returns to Santa Fe this week, offering relief to thousands who lack access to dental care. It’s a project of love and compassion, with dozens of dentists, hygienists and other volunteers giving their time and knowledge to provide dental care for people who otherwise would do without.

That people have to stand in line to receive necessary care is another sign that the U.S. health care system is broken, but how much worse off might individuals be if the dentists of Santa Fe and New Mexico did not offer this free service?

That’s right, care is delivered on a no-questions-asked basis and is free for all who come.

The clinic takes place at the Santa Fe Community Convention Center, 201 W. Marcy St., on Friday and Saturday, with setup beginning Thursday afternoon. It’s a massive process to transform the interior of a convention center into a working dental clinic, with dozens of chairs and stations. People will be seen for cleanings as well as procedures like fillings and extractions. A proper dental checkup potentially will catch other, more serious problems. Organizers say basic medical care and consultations will be available.

The clinics, a regular feature in New Mexico, are sponsored through the New Mexico Dental Association and its partner foundation. Since 2010, at the nine New Mexico Mission of Mercy events, some 9,500 volunteers have provided thousands of patients with free care totaling more than $7 million.

Expect a wait if you are attending the dental clinic. Organizers advise people to bring snacks and water. Also be sure to wear comfortable clothes and a hat.

“It’s one of the most important events that can help people who really need the help,” organizer Cervantes “Buddy” Roybal, a noted supporter of good causes, told The New Mexican’s Conversations Different podcast last year about the event.

Event co-chair Dr. Chris Morgan told the podcast the event will have 120 chairs and see “patients from 6 in the morning until 6 at night, no questions asked, first come, first service.” Doors will open around 5:15 a.m., and patients have been known to line up hours before it opens.

“There were people there that were probably there from 3 or 4 in the morning,” Roybal said of the previous Mission of Mercy held in Santa Fe in 2016. “It was amazing the need that’s out there for dental work.”

For people who lack access to regular dental care, the clinic is an opportunity to get the kind of care many seem to take for granted. But for those who don’t have that kind of luxury, this is a day of hope — and, maybe, relief.

“People miss a lot of work over it, people miss a lot of school over it, and probably miss opportunities in life based on a toothache,” Morgan said. “The event is obviously going to showcase those most in need.”

Those include the working poor — people who go to work every day but can’t always afford dental health insurance or the out-of-pocket costs to take care of their teeth. Many can’t take time off from work, either.

For two days this week, the dental care they are missing will be available — a true mission of mercy.