The Central Arizona Dental Society addresses barriers to dental care using Arizona Dental Mission of Mercy (AZMOM), a volunteer-driven dental healthcare delivery model that enables them to provide free dental care.  Thunderbirds Charities has awarded $20,000 towards AZMOM.

AZMOM clinics serve low-income individuals who face barriers to receiving adequate dental care, largely due to a lack of dental insurance. Poor oral health can lead to elevated risks for conditions such as diabetes and heart disease, difficulty finding/keeping employment, and use of costly acute care.

Attendees clearly see this as a life-changing opportunity. One patient, Iris, has stated, “You are all so wonderful. Now I will be able to interview for work and let my words, rather than my bad teeth, speak for me.”

The two-day AZMOM-Phoenix clinic is held annually, with services provided by volunteering dentists, other dental professionals, and volunteers who assist with patient intake, security, and food service. Comprehensive dental treatments available include cleanings, restorative work, oral surgery, and one-day dentures.

Central Arizona Dental Society

This grant is part of the Fall 2019 cycle. View a list of all Recent Grantees.