Mission of Mercy is providing community members with access to a healthier smile without the cost

SALISBURY, Md. — Eastern Shore Mission of Mercy is back today and Saturday to provide free dental care to residents on this side of the bridge.

The event has helped people on the Eastern Shore since 2013. Sue Simmons, community lead for this year’s Mission of Mercy, said the event provides free access to dental care. Officials told WMDT that by 11 a.m. today, the event was already breaking records, with more than 1,000 volunteers supporting patients. They said 477 people had already received dental care by that time.

For those who missed today, services will continue tomorrow.

“You are welcome to come early and be among the first 100 or so people to get in the door. If we aren’t able to finish the clinical services for patients who come in on Friday, we’ll have them come back and pick up where they left off,” Simmons said.

Simmons emphasized that the event is open to everyone. “Whether you live in Maryland, Delaware, or Virginia, the door is open. We have a triage of dentists who will determine what you need to achieve a healthier smile,” she said.

“We do extractions. We have excellent oral surgeons available. We do restorative dentistry. If you have a filling that came out, we can fix it. We also do hygiene cleanings and dental cleanings. We are not doing dentures,” Simmons said.

The event also does not cover cosmetic procedures such as teeth whitening.

Services are first come, first served, starting at 6 a.m. at the Wicomico County Civic Center, 500 Glen Avenue, Salisbury.

For more information, visit the Eastern Shore Mission of Mercy website.