A heartfelt thank you to our generous sponsors and to the more than 1,100 volunteers who helped make the 2021 Mission of Mercy Free Dental Clinic a resounding success! We’re looking forward to serving the community again in 2022.

COVID-19 Safety

Mission of Mercy Pittsburgh 2021—We Served Our Community Safely and Compassionately

We are so pleased to have provided the Pittsburgh community with access to quality dental care—FREE OF CHARGE—alleviating their pain, enhancing their confidence, improving their health, and giving them their smile back. We are also pleased to have provided a positive, encouraging experience to our patients and volunteers—including the highest level of safety precautions based on national, state, and local public health guidance.

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION TO ENSURE YOU HAVE EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO VOLUNTEER OR RECEIVE CARE.

Vaccinations

All patients over the age of 12—and all volunteers—had to show proof of vaccination before entering the clinic at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.  The vaccine may have been Moderna, Pfizer or Johnson & Johnson.  Patients and volunteers [including dental, medical and general volunteers] had to show that they have had their second dose of Moderna or Pfizer at least 14 days before the clinic or show that they had the single dose of Johnson & Johnson at least 14 days before the clinic.

The proof of vaccination had to come directly from the healthcare provider where the vaccination was given [community clinic, drug store, physician office, etc.] and had to be the physical vaccine card or a photo displayed on a smartphone.

Testing

In order to be admitted to the clinic, patients seeking care and all volunteers, including dental, medical and general volunteers, were required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or take a 15-minute rapid test on site, on the day of the clinic.  They could also provide signed verification from a doctor that showed proof of immunity due to having antibodies.

Masking

All patients and volunteers were required to wear a mask, except when receiving treatment.  N-95 masks were distributed to all patients and volunteers.

Additional Protective Measures

Ventilation

The David L. Lawrence Convention Center design, with its sloping roofs, provides a natural air ventilation system, that pulls cool air from the outside without using any mechanical equipment – just dampers and thermostats. This allows natural outside air to be circulated throughout the large event halls.

Cleaning processes

The approved ADA & CDC infection control and sterilization processes were followed throughout the clinic.