Free dental clinic returns to Pittsburgh with new safety protocols in place

PITTSBURGH — After being canceled in 2020 because of the pandemic, and because of an urgent need, the Mission of Mercy Pittsburgh dental clinic will return next month, with new safety protocols in place.

The annual clinic will take place Oct. 22-23 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.

This year, in order to be admitted to the clinic as a patient or volunteer, you must show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test within 48 hours of admission to the clinic. Medical-grade N95 masks will also be provided and must be worn at all times.

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The pandemic has created economic and social impacts that have increased the need for urgent dental care. And the organizer says the clinic has never been more crucial, after 6 million adults lost their dental insurance and millions more delayed dental care out fear of exposure.

Missions of Mercy Pittsburgh Dental Clinic will be offering free dental exams, radiographs, cleanings, restorative fillings, extractions, root canals and more. All services are on a first-come, first-served basis.

In 2019, the group saw 1,348 patients over the two-day event.

For more information about the new protocols, the free dental clinic and and how to contribute, visit the Missions of Mercy Pittsburgh website.

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