More than 600 Rhode Islanders Helped at Mission of Mercy Free Dental Clinic

More Than 600 Rhode Islanders Receive over $400,000 in Free Dental Care During 2026 Mission of Mercy Clinic

Despite the nor’easter, more than 500 volunteers came together to provide nearly 3,500 dental procedures to Rhode Islanders in need.

More than 600 Rhode Islanders received free dental care this weekend as hundreds of dental and community volunteers came together for the 2026 Rhode Island Mission of Mercy Free Dental Clinic. Despite challenging weather conditions, the two-day event provided nearly 3,500 dental procedures valued at more than $400,000, including cleanings, X-rays, fillings, root canal treatments, tooth extractions and partial dentures.

Held Saturday, Sept. 26 and Sunday, Sept. 27, the annual clinic brought together more than 300 dentists, hygienists and other dental professionals, along with over 200 community volunteers who assisted with patient check-in, translation services and other critical needs. Together, the volunteers ensured Rhode Islanders in need could continue to access free dental care despite the community experiencing a nor’easter

“We can’t thank our volunteers enough for showing up for hundreds of Rhode Islanders who needed care, especially under such challenging circumstances,” said Dr. John Kiang, president of the Rhode Island Oral Health Foundation. “This weekend was a powerful reminder of what can happen when our dental community and partners come together around a shared mission. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who gave their time, expertise and resources to make this year’s clinic possible.”

The Rhode Island Mission of Mercy is coordinated and presented by the Rhode Island Oral Health Foundation, a nonprofit organization established in 2011 to provide funding and resources to improve the oral health of Rhode Island residents. Since the clinic’s inception, thousands of Rhode Islanders have received nearly $4 million in free dental services through the annual two-day event.

Delta Dental of Rhode Island has served as the initiative’s premier sponsor since its inception, while Providence Community Health Centers (PCHC) has hosted the clinic since 2018.

“The Rhode Island Mission of Mercy is a treasured event each year because it brings together an extraordinary group of volunteers and partners to address an important need in our community,” said Joseph R. Perroni, president and CEO of Delta Dental of Rhode Island. “We are honored to continue supporting this effort and are especially grateful to the hundreds of dental professionals and community volunteers who showed up this year despite the difficult weather conditions.”

“Providence Community Health Centers is proud to once again open our campus to the Rhode Island Mission of Mercy and the hundreds of volunteers who make this event possible,” said Merrill Thomas, president and CEO of Providence Community Health Centers. “Every year, we see firsthand the difference this clinic makes for Rhode Islanders who may otherwise face barriers to receiving dental care. We are grateful to everyone who came together to serve our community this weekend.”

Plans for the 2027 Rhode Island Mission of Mercy will be announced in the coming months.

Learn more at www.RIMOM.org.