Arizona Dental Mission of Mercy, AzMOM, Phoenix, AZ
Director’s notes on filming a dental charitable event (AzMOM):
The creative direction for this video took a sharp departure from any other dental Mission of Mercy video I’d ever seen (or been involved in). I wanted something that captured the feeling of the holidays and the spirit of goodwill and giving. Rather than getting bogged down with boring interview footage (which is ubiquitous in most Mission of Mercy videos), the focus was on more of the celebration of helping others who were in need. It’s always been a pleasure to be a part of such a massive community outreach—featuring some of the most generous dentists, hygienists, lab techs, and front office professionals in Arizona.
About Arizona Dental Mission of Mercy (AzMOM) in Phoenix, AZ:
Provides charitable dental care and education to Arizonans, reducing health risks and suffering for those in need.All clinical providers rendering oral health treatment services must have all appropriate and active licenses issued by the appropriate licensing authority to provide treatment to Central Arizona Dental Society (CADS) MOM patients. All other volunteers must agree to a cursory background check to volunteer for the CADS MOM project. Please read the Arizona Mission of Mercy Volunteer Services Agreement before completing your volunteer registration. The Central Arizona Dental Society hosted the first Arizona Dental Mission of Mercy (AzMOM) event on December 6-9, 2012. Mission of Mercy is a dental clinic with portable dental stations set up in a large public arena. Dental screenings and services are provided on a first-come, first-served basis, at no charge to those who attend. MOM combines the donated services of hundreds of dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, dental lab technicians and an array of volunteers to provide these free dental services.
The mission is to provide charitable dental care and education to Arizonans, reducing health risks and suffering for those in need. The vision is to improve the quality of life for those who suffer from dental disease. All patients should be treated with respect and dignity. Thousands of patients will be seeking dental treatment in a limited time period. Individual treatment plans have a goal of relieving pain and infection. Patients need to understand their immediate needs and agree to what can be accomplished during that day.
Patients complete a medical history and undergo a limited medical assessment. Physicians and nurses work in medical triage to identify patients with:
Serious medical conditions, medications, or other issues that may interfere with or prevent dental treatment; infections; the need for antibiotics prior to dental treatment; the need for immediate medical treatment that cannot be provided on site.
After examination, patients in consultation with the triage dentist and/or the dentist reviewing x-rays will rank their top treatment priorities.
There are oral surgery, restorative, hygiene, endodontics, pediatric, and anesthesia treatment areas.
Tables will manned and will offer patient resources from a number of State, County and local agencies and community organizations.