Mission of Mercy Pittsburgh - Free Dental Clinic

Q: What is MOMPGH?
A: The MOMPGH mission is a dental clinic where dental treatment is provided at no cost to individuals who cannot afford dental care. Treatment is provided on a first-come, first-served basis and is expected to serve several hundred individuals. Please come early! There is no pre-registration.

Q: Is there anything that would disqualify me from treatment?
A: Each patient will undergo a simple medical exam at the start of your Mission of Mercy Pittsburgh experience. Some things that could prevent you from being treated include: having a fever at the time of treatment, uncontrollable, abnormally high blood pressure, or excessive bleeding in the past.

Q: How early should I arrive?
A: The doors will open at 6 AM. However, people usually begin lining up much earlier. Please keep the following in mind:

• Patients will not be allowed in the building earlier than 6AM. No exceptions.
• Collapsible chairs are not allowed.
• Tents are not allowed.
• Once capacity is reached, the clinic doors will be closed. We will treat as many patients as we can but capacity is determined by the number of professional volunteers present. Our goal is to treat as many patients we can each day.

Q: Do I need insurance/payment? 
A: No. This is completely free thanks to the generosity of our volunteers and sponsors.

Q: What should I expect?
A: You will need to provide basic personal information. You will be screened for medical issues that may disqualify you for treatment (i.e., blood sugar over 300, blood pressure over 190/105 and other issues). As dentists and dental hygienists become available, you will be escorted to the dental clinic for treatment.

Q: What services are provided?
A: Cleanings, fillings, root canal treatments on selective teeth, extractions, oral hygiene instruction and a limited number of temporary partial dental appliances. Pediatric dentists will be available to treat children.

Q: What services are NOT provided?
A: Full dentures, root canals on molars, crowns, extractions of unexposed wisdom teeth, orthodontics/braces, implants, impactions. Narcotics will not be dispensed.

Q: If I am under 18, do I need a parent or guardian present? 
A: Yes. All children must be accompanied by a legal guardian until all treatment is complete. If a guardian needs treatment for themselves, there must be an additional adult present with his/her children while the guardian is being treated. The guardian cannot be treated the same day as their children unless there is another adult to watch the children.

Q: My entire family needs to be seen. Is that possible? 
A: Yes, however, a guardian must be with children under the age of 18 at all times. PLEASE NOTE THAT CHILDCARE IS NOT PROVIDED.

Q: Will there be translators? 
A: A limited number of translators will be available. Many languages can be accommodated through our volunteers. Of course, you can bring a friend or family member to translate for you.

Q: Is there a limit as to how much treatment I can receive? 
A: Due to limited supplies, time and volunteers, we are limited to one treatment per each individual. Our first priority will be to treat your critical dental needs. Should there be the need for another procedure, patients can return the next day.

Q: Do I have to wait in line if my case is an emergency?
A: Everyone has to wait in line for services. Most MOMPGH patients are suffering and in pain, so we do not take anyone out of line.

Q: What should I bring to Mission of Mercy Pittsburgh? 
A: You should bring a list of your current medications, any current x-rays, water, snacks and food (these will be onsite but in limited supply), baby supplies for a full day. Bring these items with you in line; do not leave them in your car. Once you enter the building, you cannot go outside without losing your place in line.

Q: If I am not from Pennsylvania, can I still receive treatment?
A: Yes. We will not turn anyone away.