Rio Salado College and AZMOM Served 115 Veterans During Free Dental Event In May

Rio Salado College and AZMOM Served 115 Veterans During Free Dental Event In May

Rio Salado College’s Dental Hygiene Clinic joined with Arizona Mission of Mercy (AZMOM) and the Central Arizona Dental Society Foundation (CADS Foundation) on Saturday, May 21, to provide free dental cleanings, dentures, fillings, oral surgery and crowns to 115 Arizona’s veterans.

Rio Salado dental hygiene students, as well as dental professionals from across the state, were on-hand to provide much needed dental services to more than 100 veterans who pre-registered for the event. From basic cleanings and fillings to denture services, AZMOM dental clinics across the state bring services to those in need. Veterans are often in need of services when their benefits fall short, said Kevin Conroy, executive director of the Central Arizona Dental Society Foundation.

"We are privileged to provide services to Arizona's veterans every opportunity we get," said Rio Salado Dental Programs Instructional Services Supervisor Patty Price. "Rio Salado College's dental hygiene students regularly volunteer as part of their program. They used their knowledge and skills to assist the volunteer dental professionals in meeting the needs of the patients."

“It is interesting to see the clinic transform into something other than a teaching clinic,” said Val Thorson, third semester Rio Salado dental student. “As a requirement for graduation we are required to do 40 hours of community service and we’ve been able to do many events including the AZMOM event, which has been so rewarding to be part of.”

Originating in Virginia and spreading throughout the United States, more than 70 Mission of Mercy dental programs have been conducted since 2000 to provide free dental care to local residents who otherwise were unable to receive it. The Central Arizona Dental Society Foundation (CADSF) first hosted an event in 2011 and has since provided $17.9 million in dental care to those in need. The events have served approximately 15,000 local patients. The next free dental event will be June 17 and 18, 2022, in Flagstaff, Arizona. 

Lauren Guanell, third semester Rio Salado dental student added, “The opportunity to give back and serve those that have served our country is incredibly rewarding. We are gaining dental skills while providing a service that the veterans cherish and we feel humbled to provide.”

“The Rio Salado dental students are dedicated to service in their community, from today’s AZMOM event to volunteering with the Rio community during this year’s Dash with Splash,” said Dr. Stella Perez, vice president of academic affairs. “My special thanks to them and the many volunteers who made this event possible.”

Rio Salado College is one of ten Maricopa Community Colleges and one of the largest online public community colleges in the nation, serving nearly 50,000 students annually with more than 28,000 online in 50 states and internationally. Founded in 1978 and headquartered in Tempe, Arizona, Rio Salado offers 600-plus online classes, 135-plus degree and certificate programs and general education courses. The college also provides support for dual enrollment, military and incarcerated students and serves as the largest provider of adult education in Arizona.