PROGRAMS · SMILES ACROSS NORTH DAKOTA
North Dakota Mission of Mercy
Give hope through a smile. The ND Mission of Mercy is a free, large-scale dental clinic providing care to adults and children of all ages who experience barriers to oral health care.
ABOUT THE EVENT
Free dental care for those who need it most.
The North Dakota Mission of Mercy (ND MOM) brings together hundreds of volunteers and generous donors to provide free dental care — no cost, no insurance required — to people facing barriers to oral health care. Patients are treated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Each two-day event requires more than 500 clinical and non-clinical volunteers and costs roughly $150,000 to operate, so it is held every two to three years in communities across the state. The event is sponsored by the North Dakota Dental Association (NDDA) and the North Dakota Dental Foundation (NDDF), which serves as the event's fiscal sponsor.
For many patients, ND MOM is a chance to finally address dental pain and restore their health, confidence, and smile.
Free
All services provided at no cost to patients
500+
Clinical & non-clinical volunteers per event
First-come
Patients are seen on a first-come, first-served basis
2024 RESULTS · BISMARCK
A great success, thanks to our volunteers.
The 2024 ND Mission of Mercy at the Bismarck Event Center improved the oral health of hundreds of patients experiencing barriers to care.
475
Volunteers
842
Dental visits
500
Fillings
848
Extractions
56
Tooth-replacement appliances
WHAT'S PROVIDED
Services offered at the ND Mission of Mercy
The following services may be provided at the event, based on patient need and available capacity:
Cleanings (Hygiene)
Root canals on front teeth (Endodontics)
Extractions (Oral Surgery)
Fluoride treatments
X-rays
Fillings (Restorations)
Limited temporary partial dentures (Prosthodontics)
Oral health education
Sealants
FOR PATIENTS
Who the event is for
ND MOM welcomes adults and children of all ages who experience barriers to oral health care — including a lack of insurance, cost, or difficulty finding a dentist. There is no income or eligibility paperwork; care is provided free of charge.
All care is free — no insurance or proof of income required.
Patients are seen on a first-come, first-served basis.
Minors under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Come prepared to wait — many patients line up before doors open.
Upcoming events
Because of the scale and cost of the event, ND MOM is held every two to three years in a host community. Event dates, location, and patient details are announced ahead of each clinic.
Check back for the next event announcement, or contact us using the information below to learn more.
GET INVOLVED
Volunteers make it possible
The North Dakota Mission of Mercy requires over 500 volunteers — both clinical and non-clinical. Dentists, hygienists, assistants, and lab professionals provide care, while community volunteers help with registration, hospitality, patient guiding, supplies, and more.
No dental experience is needed to help. Volunteer sign-up typically opens in the summer before an event.
Express Volunteer Interest
Clinical volunteers
Dentists, hygienists, assistants, and specialists providing direct patient care.
Non-clinical volunteers
Registration, patient guides, hospitality, sterilization support, and logistics.
Students
Dental and hygiene students gain hands-on experience alongside mentors.
Spread the word
Help patients find the event — most hear about it from friends, family, and social media.
Our Impact
Moments from the clinic.
Snapshots from the North Dakota Mission of Mercy in Bismarck.
GENEROUS DONORS
Donors make free care possible
Each event costs roughly $150,000 to operate. We are deeply grateful to the donors who make it possible through generous cash and in-kind gifts. Giving levels include:
Supporter
$1+
Sponsor
$200+
Sprinter
$500+
Patron
$1,000+
Benefactor
$5,000+
Presenter
$10,000+
Governor
$20,000+
Host
$30,000+
QUESTIONS?
Get in touch
Reach out to the event team for questions about attending, volunteering, or donating.
The North Dakota Dental Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization and the fiscal sponsor of this event.
Kami Dornfeld — Event Chair
ndmom@smilenorthdakota.org
Cheryl Feltman — NDDF
CFeltman@dakmed.org
OUR PARTNERS
