Volunteers needed for massive free dental clinic in July at PPG Paints Arena
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Mission of Mercy Pittsburgh is seeking 1,500 volunteers to help with an annual free dental clinic at PPG Paints Arena in July.
The clinic on July 24-25 will bring together dentists, hygienists, nurses and general volunteers to provide people with free services. Procedures and treatments that will be provided will include dental exams, extractions, root canals, minor restorative fillings and more, according to Mission of Mercy Pittsburgh.
All services will be provided at no charge, with no income or eligibility requirements.
Suzanne Meyer, a writer and producer, said volunteering at last year’s event was an eye-opening experience. Meyer worked as a general volunteer, helping patients navigate check-in and guiding them through the triage of dentists. She was struck by the number of people who came to receive care.
“There were a lot of just average people,” Meyer said. “It made me realize that dental care, from an insurance standpoint, is the first thing that people eliminate.”
Meyer said she had only planned to volunteer for the first day of the clinic, but she was so moved by the work being done that she decided to return for the second. In particular, Meyer remembered assisting one woman who was homeless and suffering with cancer. Her teeth were in such poor condition that she needed to receive treatment on both days of the clinic.
“I wasn’t able to sleep unless I knew I could see her through that second day,” said Meyer.
Mission of Mercy Pittsburgh also partners with other charities for the event. Meyer said Catholic Charities is there to connect with patients experiencing issues beyond dental care — whether it is mental health, domestic violence or homelessness.
“It’s very well-done and very all-encompassing,” said Meyer.
This year will be the fourth year Mission of Mercy will hold the event. In 2019, nearly 1,500 volunteers served 1,348 patients, who together received more than 6,500 dental procedures.