Henryetta dentist Dr. Jeremy Johnson was among the dental professionals donating services for the ninth annual Mission of Mercy event in Durant.
jeremy johnsonDr. Johnson took part in a two-day free dental clinic for people of all ages, the Oklahoma Mission of Mercy (OkMOM) provided $1,157,501 in donated dental care. The event offered cleanings, fillings extractions, root canals on front teeth, and limited ways to improve the smile line at no cost to patients. Volunteers performed 8,166 dental procedures for 957 patients, averaging $1,209.51 of dental care per patient.
“We were able to provide the highest quality of care to our patients at this year’s Oklahoma Mission of Mercy event,” said 2018 Oklahoma Mission of Mercy Chair Dr. Mathew Hookom. “As a southeast Oklahoma native, it’s is always overwhelming to see the crowds of people lined up to receive free dental care. I’m grateful for the compassionate Oklahoma dental professionals and non-dental community members who came together to care for our neighbors in need.”
According to Oklahoma Dental Association President Dr. Juan Lopez, “Our ultimate goal is to get people out of pain and connect them with a dentist for ongoing preventative care. Dental care is vital care. As much a part of a person’s healthy expectancy as having cholesterol checks, blood pressure checks, and other health monitoring checks.”
Each year the Oklahoma Mission of Mercy offers the clinic in a different city. The 2019 event will be held in Oklahoma City the first weekend in February.
Major funding was provided by the Delta Dental of Oklahoma Foundation. Additional sponsors included Alorica, Metro Linen, Indian Nation Wholesale, Kiwanis of Durant, First United Methodist Church, Wastequip, Rotary Club of Durant, Rolling Thrones Rentals and Medical Waste Services.